Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 13204-13206 [2014-04571]

Download as PDF 13204 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (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 February 24, 2014. Bruce E. Cain, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–04570 Filed 3–7–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0642; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–035–AD; Amendment 39–17777; AD 2014–05–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES 15:44 Mar 07, 2014 Jkt 232001 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, the foreign authority’s AD, any incorporated-byreference 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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@ faa.gov. Discussion We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters with a jettisonable sliding door (door) installed. This AD requires inspecting the lock release assembly and the middle and upper lever locking bolts of each door, replacing any damaged parts with airworthy parts, and ensuring the door is correctly installed. This AD was prompted by the uncommanded detaching of a door from an MBB–BK 117 C–2 fuselage. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent the in-flight loss of the door, which could damage the helicopter and injure persons on the ground. DATES: This AD is effective April 14, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of April 14, 2014. ADDRESSES: 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 the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, VerDate Mar<15>2010 Examining the AD Docket SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. On July 23, 2013, at 78 FR 44039, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters with a jettisonable door installed. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the lock release assembly and the middle and upper lever locking bolts of each door, replacing any damaged parts with airworthy parts, and ensuring the door is correctly installed. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent the in-flight loss of the door, which could damage the helicopter and injure persons on the ground. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2011–0107, dated June 7, 2011, issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. AD No. 2011–0107 was issued to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters with jettisonable sliding doors installed. EASA states that in early 2010 it received a report that the door guides of the jettison mechanism on an MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopter released uncommanded while the door was being opened, resulting in the door detaching from the fuselage. EASA has determined that ‘‘this condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in cases of in-flight loss of the jettisonable PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 door, possibly resulting in damage to, or loss of control of, the helicopter, or injury to persons on the ground.’’ As a result, EASA requires repetitive inspections for the correct installation of the doors, door guides, and release cables. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 44039, July 23, 2013). FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD This AD requires that the inspections be conducted within 50 hours time-inservice (TIS). The EASA AD requires that the inspections be conducted within 50 hours TIS or 60 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of the EASA AD. The EASA AD requires that you contact Eurocopter to determine corrective action, and this AD does not. The EASA AD requires a repetitive inspection, each time when the installation of the door guides for the jettisonable sliding doors is accomplished. This AD does not require this repetitive inspection because that is considered normal maintenance. Related Service Information We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB–BK117 C–2–52A–015, Revision 0, dated April 26, 2011 (ASB), for Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters with jettisonable sliding doors installed. The ASB calls for inspecting the lock release assembly for damage and correct installation and inspecting the middle lever and upper lever locking bolts for correct installation. The ASBs require the inspections to be conducted within 50 hours TIS or two months, whichever occurs first, and thereafter after every door guide installation. E:\FR\FM\10MRR1.SGM 10MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 2014 / Rules and Regulations Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 108 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • Visually inspecting the door’s lock release assembly and the middle and upper levers requires 4 work-hours for a labor cost of $340 per helicopter. No parts are needed, so that the total cost for the U.S. fleet is $36,720. • Visually inspecting all hardware, guides and door attachment points for misaligned or bent fittings requires 4 work-hours for a labor cost of $340 per helicopter. Parts may be needed but on an individual basis, so that the total cost for the U.S. fleet is at least $36,720. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:44 Mar 07, 2014 Jkt 232001 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): ■ 2014–05–04 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter): Amendment 39–17777; Docket No. FAA–2013–0642; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–035–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model MBB–BK 117 C– 2 helicopters with a jettisonable main cabin sliding door (door) installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as the door detaching uncommanded from the fuselage. This condition could result in the in-flight loss of the door, which could damage the helicopter or cause injury or damage on the ground. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 14, 2014. (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: (1) Visually inspect each door lock release assembly for a frayed cable, a stripped thread on a screw joint, pitting on a door guide, release cable, or associated hardware, and for correct installation by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.1. (a) through (c), except (c)(1) and (c)(2), of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB– BK117 C–2–52A–015, Revision 0, dated April 26, 2011 (ASB). (i) Replace with an airworthy part any frayed cables, screw joints with stripped threads, or any door guides, release cables, and associated hardware with pitting. Allow for a minimum of one millimeter clearance at each end of the release cables. PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 13205 (ii) Install the aft cover and aft inner handle. (2) Inspect each middle lever and upper lever locking bolt for correct installation by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2 and 3.B.3, of the ASB, except that we do not require you to contact Eurocopter. (3) If the door cannot be correctly rigged after performing the actions required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, inspect all hardware, guides, and door attachment points for misalignment or bent fittings. Replace misaligned or bent parts with airworthy parts before you operate the door in-flight and re-inspect according to the requirements in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. (f) Special Flight Permits A one-time flight to a maintenance facility is permitted provided that the door is not opened in flight. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@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. (h) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2011–0107, dated June 7, 2011. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2013–0642. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5200, Doors. (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) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB– BK117 C–2–52A–015, Revision 0, dated April 26, 2011. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Eurocopter 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. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, E:\FR\FM\10MRR1.SGM 10MRR1 13206 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 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 February 20, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–04571 Filed 3–7–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0789; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–127–AD; Amendment 39–17782; AD 2014–05–09] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012–12– 08 for certain The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes. AD 2012–12–08 required an inspection for the part number of the main landing gear retract actuator fuse pin, and replacement of the pin if necessary. This new AD retains the actions required by AD 2012–12–08 and adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that additional airplanes may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi. DATES: This AD is effective April 14, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 14, 2014. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:44 Mar 07, 2014 Jkt 232001 Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view 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. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2013– 0789; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melanie Violette, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6422; fax: 425–917–6590; email: melanie.violette@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2012–12–08, Amendment 39–17088 (77 FR 37781, June 25, 2012). (A correction of AD 2012–12–08 was published in the Federal Register on July 20, 2012 (77 FR 42625)). AD 2012–12–08 applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 19, 2013 (78 FR 57542). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that additional airplanes may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. The NPRM also proposed to continue to require the actions required by AD 2012–12–08. The NPRM also proposed to add airplanes to the applicability; and to require an inspection for the part number of the PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 main landing gear retract actuator fuse pin, and replacement of the pin if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal (78 FR 57542, September 19, 2013) and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request for Clarification of Compliance Time Boeing requested that we revise the last sentence of paragraph (g) of the NPRM (78 FR 57542, September 19, 2013) to add the phrase, ‘‘Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD,’’ at the beginning of the sentence. Boeing reasoned that it is unclear if the replacement referred to in the last sentence should be done within the specified compliance time after the release date of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–32–0083, Revision 2, dated May 2, 2013, or within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. We agree to revise this final rule for the reasons stated by Boeing. We have revised paragraph (g) of this final rule accordingly. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 57542, September 19, 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 57542, September 19, 2013). We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 129 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: E:\FR\FM\10MRR1.SGM 10MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 46 (Monday, March 10, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13204-13206]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04571]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0642; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-035-AD; 
Amendment 39-17777; AD 2014-05-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 
helicopters with a jettisonable sliding door (door) installed. This AD 
requires inspecting the lock release assembly and the middle and upper 
lever locking bolts of each door, replacing any damaged parts with 
airworthy parts, and ensuring the door is correctly installed. This AD 
was prompted by the uncommanded detaching of a door from an MBB-BK 117 
C-2 fuselage. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent the in-
flight loss of the door, which could damage the helicopter and injure 
persons on the ground.

DATES: This AD is effective April 14, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of April 14, 2014.

ADDRESSES: 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 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, the foreign authority's 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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On July 23, 2013, at 78 FR 44039, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 
helicopters with a jettisonable door installed. The NPRM proposed to 
require inspecting the lock release assembly and the middle and upper 
lever locking bolts of each door, replacing any damaged parts with 
airworthy parts, and ensuring the door is correctly installed. The 
proposed requirements were intended to prevent the in-flight loss of 
the door, which could damage the helicopter and injure persons on the 
ground.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2011-0107, dated June 7, 2011, 
issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. AD No. 
2011-0107 was issued to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter 
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with jettisonable sliding doors 
installed. EASA states that in early 2010 it received a report that the 
door guides of the jettison mechanism on an MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopter 
released uncommanded while the door was being opened, resulting in the 
door detaching from the fuselage. EASA has determined that ``this 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in cases of in-
flight loss of the jettisonable door, possibly resulting in damage to, 
or loss of control of, the helicopter, or injury to persons on the 
ground.'' As a result, EASA requires repetitive inspections for the 
correct installation of the doors, door guides, and release cables.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 44039, July 23, 
2013).

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    This AD requires that the inspections be conducted within 50 hours 
time-in-service (TIS). The EASA AD requires that the inspections be 
conducted within 50 hours TIS or 60 days, whichever occurs first after 
the effective date of the EASA AD.
    The EASA AD requires that you contact Eurocopter to determine 
corrective action, and this AD does not.
    The EASA AD requires a repetitive inspection, each time when the 
installation of the door guides for the jettisonable sliding doors is 
accomplished. This AD does not require this repetitive inspection 
because that is considered normal maintenance.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 C-2-52A-
015, Revision 0, dated April 26, 2011 (ASB), for Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 
helicopters with jettisonable sliding doors installed. The ASB calls 
for inspecting the lock release assembly for damage and correct 
installation and inspecting the middle lever and upper lever locking 
bolts for correct installation. The ASBs require the inspections to be 
conducted within 50 hours TIS or two months, whichever occurs first, 
and thereafter after every door guide installation.

[[Page 13205]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 108 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, 
we expect the following costs:
     Visually inspecting the door's lock release assembly and 
the middle and upper levers requires 4 work-hours for a labor cost of 
$340 per helicopter. No parts are needed, so that the total cost for 
the U.S. fleet is $36,720.
     Visually inspecting all hardware, guides and door 
attachment points for misaligned or bent fittings requires 4 work-hours 
for a labor cost of $340 per helicopter. Parts may be needed but on an 
individual basis, so that the total cost for the U.S. fleet is at least 
$36,720.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska 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):

2014-05-04 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter): Amendment 39-
17777; Docket No. FAA-2013-0642; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-035-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with a 
jettisonable main cabin sliding door (door) installed, certificated 
in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as the door detaching 
uncommanded from the fuselage. This condition could result in the 
in-flight loss of the door, which could damage the helicopter or 
cause injury or damage on the ground.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 14, 2014.

(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:
    (1) Visually inspect each door lock release assembly for a 
frayed cable, a stripped thread on a screw joint, pitting on a door 
guide, release cable, or associated hardware, and for correct 
installation by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
3.B.1. (a) through (c), except (c)(1) and (c)(2), of Eurocopter 
Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 C-2-52A-015, Revision 0, dated 
April 26, 2011 (ASB).
    (i) Replace with an airworthy part any frayed cables, screw 
joints with stripped threads, or any door guides, release cables, 
and associated hardware with pitting. Allow for a minimum of one 
millimeter clearance at each end of the release cables.
    (ii) Install the aft cover and aft inner handle.
    (2) Inspect each middle lever and upper lever locking bolt for 
correct installation by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B.2 and 3.B.3, of the ASB, except that we do not 
require you to contact Eurocopter.
    (3) If the door cannot be correctly rigged after performing the 
actions required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, inspect all 
hardware, guides, and door attachment points for misalignment or 
bent fittings. Replace misaligned or bent parts with airworthy parts 
before you operate the door in-flight and re-inspect according to 
the requirements in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    A one-time flight to a maintenance facility is permitted 
provided that the door is not opened in flight.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 
222-5110; email matthew.fuller@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.

 (h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2011-0107, dated June 7, 2011. You may view the 
EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. 
FAA-2013-0642.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5200, Doors.

(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) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 C-2-52A-015, 
Revision 0, dated April 26, 2011.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Eurocopter 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel,

[[Page 13206]]

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/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 20, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-04571 Filed 3-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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