Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman) Helicopters, 59697-59699 [2014-23588]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 192 / Friday, October 3, 2014 / Proposed Rules
(2) Bell Model 206L–3, serial number (S/
N) 51001 through 51612, except those with
a Rolls-Royce 250–C20R engine installed
under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
No. SR00036SE; and
(3) Bell Model 206L–4, S/N 52001 through
52313, except those with a Rolls-Royce 250–
C20R engine installed under STC No.
SR00036SE.
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD
No. CF–2005–28R1, dated June 14, 2007. You
may view the TCCA AD at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2013–0489.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
third stage turbine vibration, which could
result in turbine failure, engine power loss,
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 7250, Turbine Section.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 2,
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 30 days:
(1) Install placard P/N 230–075–213–117,
or equivalent, on the instrument panel
directly below the dual tachometer.
(2) Revise the Operating Limitations
section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
by inserting a copy of this AD into the RFM
or by making pen and ink changes as follows:
(i) In the Power Plant section, beneath the
Power Turbine RPM header, add: Avoid
continuous operations 71.8% to 91.5%.
(ii) In the Placards and Decals section, add:
AVOID CONT OPS 71.8% TO 91.5% N2’’
with the location identification ‘‘Location:
Instrument Panel.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and
Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
james.blyn@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
(1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L–
05–134, Revision A, dated April 9, 2007,
which is not incorporated by reference,
contains additional information about the
subject of this AD. For service information
identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de
l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone
(450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450)
433–0272; or at https://
www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may
review a copy of the service information at
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:51 Oct 02, 2014
Jkt 235001
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September
17, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–23582 Filed 10–2–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0758; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–062–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Kaman
Aerospace Corporation (Kaman)
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Kaman
Model K–1200 helicopters with certain
main rotor blades (MRB) installed. This
proposed AD would require inspecting
each MRB for a crack or damage. This
proposed AD is prompted by a report
that a crack was found on an MRB
during a tear-down inspection. The
proposed actions are intended to detect
a crack in the MRB, which could lead
to failure of the MRB and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 2, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
59697
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the
Docket Operations Office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this proposed AD, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Kaman
Aerospace Corporation, Old Windsor
Rd., P.O. Box 2, Bloomfield, CT 06002–
0002; telephone (860) 242–4461; fax
(860) 243–7047; or at https://
www.kamanaero.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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification
Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803;
telephone (781) 238–7763; email
nicholas.faust@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this
rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that might result
from adopting the proposals in this
document. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit only one time.
We will file in the docket all
comments that we receive, as well as a
report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking.
Before acting on this proposal, we will
consider all comments we receive on or
before the closing date for comments.
We will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is
E:\FR\FM\03OCP1.SGM
03OCP1
59698
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 192 / Friday, October 3, 2014 / Proposed Rules
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. We may change this
proposal in light of the comments we
receive.
Discussion
We are proposing to adopt a new AD
for Kaman Model K–1200 helicopters
with an MRB, part number (P/N)
K911001–009, K911001–010, K911001–
109, or K911001–110, installed. We
received reports that during x-ray and
teardown inspections with the MRB
removed from the helicopter, cracks are
being found in the MRB spar. To detect
this unsafe condition, we are proposing
requiring repetitive x-ray and visual
inspections of the MRB for a crack,
wood split, void, or delamination at
intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours
time-in-service (TIS). If there is a crack,
wood split, void, or delamination, the
proposed AD would require repairing or
replacing the MRB before further flight.
The proposed AD would also require
that any inspection or repair procedure
performed in compliance with this AD
receive prior approval from the Boston
Aircraft Certification Office. The
proposed actions are intended to detect
a crack in the MRB, which could lead
to failure of the MRB and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of
these same type designs.
Related Service Information
We reviewed Kaman Maintenance
Manual 04–00–00, Continued
Airworthiness, Revision 31, dated
August 1, 2013, which establishes the
airworthiness limitations for the Model
K–1200 helicopter. The airworthiness
limitations establish an MRB life limit
of 8,000 hours TIS and also establish a
recurring 1,000 hour Rotor Blade Spar
Inspection for each MRB with 3,000 or
more hours TIS.
We also reviewed Kaman
Maintenance Manual 05–20–06, 1,000
Hour Rotor Blade Spar Inspection,
Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013,
which specifies returning each MRB to
Kaman every 1,000 hours for inspection
after the MRB accumulates 3,000 hours
TIS.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
performing repetitive X-Ray and visual
inspections of each wooden MRB for a
crack, wood split, void, or delamination
at intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:51 Oct 02, 2014
Jkt 235001
TIS. If there is a crack, wood split, void,
or delamination, the proposed AD
would require repairing or replacing the
MRB before further flight. The
inspections and repairs required by the
proposed AD would be accomplished by
a method approved by the Manager of
the Boston Aircraft Certification Office.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 11 helicopters of U.S.
Registry.
We estimate that operators may incur
the following costs in order to comply
with this proposed AD. At an average
labor cost of $85 per hour, inspecting
each matched pair of main rotor blades
would require about 160 work-hours
and required parts would cost about
$2,000, for a cost per MRB set of
$15,600 and a cost per helicopter of
$31,200 per inspection cycle. If
required, repairing a cracked MRB
would require about 335 work-hours
and required parts would cost about
$15,000, for a cost per MRB of $43,475.
If required, replacing a MRB set would
require about 4 work-hours, and
required parts would cost about
$495,000, for a cost per helicopter of
$495,340.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
For the reasons discussed, I certify
this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by Reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. Amend § 39.13 by adding the
following new airworthiness directive
(AD):
■
Kaman Aerospace Corporation Helicopters:
Docket No. FAA–2014–0758; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–062–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Kaman Aerospace
Incorporated (Kaman) Model K–1200
helicopters with a main rotor blade (MRB)
part number K911001–009, K911001–010,
K911001–109, or K911001–110 installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in an MRB, which could lead to failure
of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 2,
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
(1) Before the MRB reaches 3,000 hours
time-in-service (TIS) or within 50 hours TIS,
E:\FR\FM\03OCP1.SGM
03OCP1
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 192 / Friday, October 3, 2014 / Proposed Rules
whichever occurs later, and thereafter at
intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours TIS:
(i) X-Ray inspect each MRB between
station (STA) 30 and 289 for a crack, a wood
split, a void, and delamination.
(ii) Using a 10× or higher power
magnifying glass, inspect each spar plank
between STA 33 and STA 78 for a wood split
or a crack, and inspect each spar plank to
plank glueline for a void or delamination.
(2) If there is a crack, wood split, void, or
delamination within maximum repair
damage limits in an MRB, before further
flight, repair the MRB. If there is a crack,
wood split, void, or delamination exceeding
maximum repair damage limits in an MRB,
before further flight, replace the MRB with an
airworthy MRB.
(3) Each inspection and repair procedure
required for compliance with Paragraphs
(e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD must be
accomplished by a method approved by the
Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO). For a repair method to be approved
by the Manager, Boston ACO, as required by
this AD, the Manager’s approval letter must
specifically refer to this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposal to: Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington,
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238–
7763; email nicholas.faust@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.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(g) Additional Information
Kaman Aerospace Corporation
Maintenance Manual 04–00–00, Continued
Airworthiness, Revision 31, dated August 1,
2013, and Kaman Aerospace Corporation
Maintenance Manual 05–20–06, 1,000 Hour
Rotor Blade Spar Inspection, Revision 31,
dated August 1, 2013, which are not
incorporated by reference, contain additional
information about the subject of this AD. 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. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6210: Main Rotor MRB.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September
17, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Food and Drug Administration
RIN 1505–AC43
21 CFR Part 179
Privacy Act, Implementation
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
ACTION:
Notice of petition.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA or we) is
announcing that we have filed a
petition, submitted by Casa de Mesquite
LLC, proposing that the food additive
regulations be amended to provide for
the safe use of ionizing radiation to treat
mesquite bean flour.
SUMMARY:
The food additive petition was
filed on August 11, 2014.
DATES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Teresa A. Croce, Center for Food Safety
and Applied Nutrition (HFS–265), Food
and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint
Branch Pkwy., College Park, MD 20740–
3835, 240–402–1281.
Under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(section 409(b)(5) (21 U.S.C. 348(b)(5))),
we are giving notice that we have filed
a food additive petition (FAP 4M4807),
submitted by Casa de Mesquite LLC,
10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy., Hollister, CA
95023. The petition proposes to amend
the food additive regulations in § 179.26
(21 CFR 179.26), Ionizing radiation for
the treatment of food, to provide for the
safe use of ionizing radiation to reduce
the levels of food-borne pathogens in
mesquite bean flour.
We have determined under 21 CFR
25.32(j) that this action is of a type that
does not individually or cumulatively
have a significant effect on the human
environment. Therefore, neither an
environmental assessment nor an
environmental impact statement is
required.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Dated: September 29, 2014.
Dennis M. Keefe,
Director, Office of Food Additive Safety,
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
[FR Doc. 2014–23597 Filed 10–2–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
14:51 Oct 02, 2014
Jkt 235001
ACTION:
Casa de Mesquite LLC; Filing of Food
Additive Petition
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
31 CFR Part 1
Departmental Offices, Treasury.
Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
[Docket No. FDA–2014–F–1370]
[FR Doc. 2014–23588 Filed 10–2–14; 8:45 am]
VerDate Sep<11>2014
59699
In accordance with the
requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974,
as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552a, the
Department of the Treasury gives notice
of a proposed amendment to update its
Privacy Act regulations, and to add an
exemption from certain provisions of
the Privacy Act for a system of records
related to the Office of Intelligence and
Analysis.
DATES: Comments must be received no
later than November 3, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Written comments should
be sent to the Director Intelligence
Information Systems, Office of
Intelligence and Analysis, Department
of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW., Washington, DC 20220. The
Department will make such comments
available for public inspection and
copying in the Department’s Library,
Room 1020, Annex Building, 1500
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20220, on official business days
between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time. You must make
an appointment to inspect comments by
telephoning (202) 622–0990 (not a toll
free number). You may also submit
comments through the Federal
rulemaking portal at https://
www.regulations.gov (follow the
instructions for submitting comments).
All comments, including attachments
and other supporting materials, received
are part of the public record and subject
to public disclosure. You should submit
only information that you wish to make
available publicly.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Director Intelligence Information
Systems, Office of Intelligence and
Analysis, Department of the Treasury, at
(202) 622–1826, facsimile (202) 622–
1829, or email OIAExec@treasury.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Department is establishing ‘‘Treasury/
DO. 411—Intelligence Enterprise Files,’’
maintained by the Office of Intelligence
and Analysis.
Under 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(1), the head of
an agency may promulgate rules to
exempt a system of records from certain
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a if the system
of records is subject to the provisions of
5 U.S.C. 552(b)(1), which regards
matters specifically authorized under
criteria established by an Executive
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\03OCP1.SGM
03OCP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 192 (Friday, October 3, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59697-59699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23588]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0758; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-062-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman)
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Kaman Model K-1200 helicopters with certain main rotor blades (MRB)
installed. This proposed AD would require inspecting each MRB for a
crack or damage. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a crack
was found on an MRB during a tear-down inspection. The proposed actions
are intended to detect a crack in the MRB, which could lead to failure
of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 2,
2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Kaman Aerospace Corporation, Old Windsor Rd., P.O. Box 2, Bloomfield,
CT 06002-0002; telephone (860) 242-4461; fax (860) 243-7047; or at
https://www.kamanaero.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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts
01803; telephone (781) 238-7763; email nicholas.faust@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has
closed if it is
[[Page 59698]]
possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change
this proposal in light of the comments we receive.
Discussion
We are proposing to adopt a new AD for Kaman Model K-1200
helicopters with an MRB, part number (P/N) K911001-009, K911001-010,
K911001-109, or K911001-110, installed. We received reports that during
x-ray and teardown inspections with the MRB removed from the
helicopter, cracks are being found in the MRB spar. To detect this
unsafe condition, we are proposing requiring repetitive x-ray and
visual inspections of the MRB for a crack, wood split, void, or
delamination at intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours time-in-service
(TIS). If there is a crack, wood split, void, or delamination, the
proposed AD would require repairing or replacing the MRB before further
flight. The proposed AD would also require that any inspection or
repair procedure performed in compliance with this AD receive prior
approval from the Boston Aircraft Certification Office. The proposed
actions are intended to detect a crack in the MRB, which could lead to
failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type
designs.
Related Service Information
We reviewed Kaman Maintenance Manual 04-00-00, Continued
Airworthiness, Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013, which establishes the
airworthiness limitations for the Model K-1200 helicopter. The
airworthiness limitations establish an MRB life limit of 8,000 hours
TIS and also establish a recurring 1,000 hour Rotor Blade Spar
Inspection for each MRB with 3,000 or more hours TIS.
We also reviewed Kaman Maintenance Manual 05-20-06, 1,000 Hour
Rotor Blade Spar Inspection, Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013, which
specifies returning each MRB to Kaman every 1,000 hours for inspection
after the MRB accumulates 3,000 hours TIS.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require performing repetitive X-Ray and
visual inspections of each wooden MRB for a crack, wood split, void, or
delamination at intervals not exceeding 1,000 hours TIS. If there is a
crack, wood split, void, or delamination, the proposed AD would require
repairing or replacing the MRB before further flight. The inspections
and repairs required by the proposed AD would be accomplished by a
method approved by the Manager of the Boston Aircraft Certification
Office.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 11 helicopters of
U.S. Registry.
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this proposed AD. At an average labor cost of $85 per
hour, inspecting each matched pair of main rotor blades would require
about 160 work-hours and required parts would cost about $2,000, for a
cost per MRB set of $15,600 and a cost per helicopter of $31,200 per
inspection cycle. If required, repairing a cracked MRB would require
about 335 work-hours and required parts would cost about $15,000, for a
cost per MRB of $43,475. If required, replacing a MRB set would require
about 4 work-hours, and required parts would cost about $495,000, for a
cost per helicopter of $495,340.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
Reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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. Amend Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Kaman Aerospace Corporation Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2014-0758;
Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-062-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Kaman Aerospace Incorporated (Kaman) Model K-
1200 helicopters with a main rotor blade (MRB) part number K911001-
009, K911001-010, K911001-109, or K911001-110 installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in an MRB, which
could lead to failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 2, 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
(1) Before the MRB reaches 3,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) or
within 50 hours TIS,
[[Page 59699]]
whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding
1,000 hours TIS:
(i) X-Ray inspect each MRB between station (STA) 30 and 289 for
a crack, a wood split, a void, and delamination.
(ii) Using a 10x or higher power magnifying glass, inspect each
spar plank between STA 33 and STA 78 for a wood split or a crack,
and inspect each spar plank to plank glueline for a void or
delamination.
(2) If there is a crack, wood split, void, or delamination
within maximum repair damage limits in an MRB, before further
flight, repair the MRB. If there is a crack, wood split, void, or
delamination exceeding maximum repair damage limits in an MRB,
before further flight, replace the MRB with an airworthy MRB.
(3) Each inspection and repair procedure required for compliance
with Paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD must be accomplished by
a method approved by the Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO). For a repair method to be approved by the Manager,
Boston ACO, as required by this AD, the Manager's approval letter
must specifically refer to this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD.
Send your proposal to: Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7763; email
nicholas.faust@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
Kaman Aerospace Corporation Maintenance Manual 04-00-00,
Continued Airworthiness, Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013, and
Kaman Aerospace Corporation Maintenance Manual 05-20-06, 1,000 Hour
Rotor Blade Spar Inspection, Revision 31, dated August 1, 2013,
which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional
information about the subject of this AD. 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. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210: Main Rotor
MRB.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 17, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23588 Filed 10-2-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P