Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters, 716-718 [2016-30832]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 4, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–6176,
dated May 20, 2015.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–6177,
dated May 20, 2015.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61
93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@
airbus.com; Internet: https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this 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.
(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 Renton, Washington, on
December 6, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–30117 Filed 1–3–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–0733; Directorate
Identifier 2015–SW–040–AD; Amendment
39–18762; AD 2016–26–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson
Helicopter Company Helicopters
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Robinson Helicopter Company
(Robinson) Model R44, R44 II, and R66
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting
the main rotor blade (MRB). This AD
was prompted by a determination that
some MRBs may have reduced blade
thickness due to blending out corrosion.
The actions are intended to prevent the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 8,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of February 8, 2017.
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
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Jkt 241001
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–2016–
0733; 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-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: Eric
Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood,
California 90712; telephone (562) 627–
5348; email eric.schrieber@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901
Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505;
telephone (310) 539–0508; fax (310)
539–5198; or at https://
www.robinsonheli.com. You may review
a copy of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
0733.
ADDRESSES:
On May 27, 2016, at 81 FR 33609, 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
Robinson Model R44 and R44 II
helicopters with an MRB part number
(P/N) C016–7, Revision N/C, A through
Z, and AA through AE; and Model R66
helicopters with an MRB P/N F016–2,
Revision A through E. The NPRM
proposed to require a one-time visual
inspection of the MRB for a crack,
corrosion, dent, nick, and scratch and
either altering the MRB or removing it
from service.
The NPRM was prompted by a report
of a fatigue crack on a Model R44 II
helicopter at the MRB trailing edge that
had grown to reach the blade spar. The
FAA subsequently determined that
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
some MRBs may have reduced blade
fatigue resistance due to repair by
blending out corrosion in the area of the
crack site radius. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent
an MRB fatigue crack, which could lead
to MRB failure and subsequent loss of
helicopter control.
Comments
After our NPRM (81 FR 33609, May
27, 2016) was published, we received a
comment from one commenter.
Request
Robinson requested we change the
applicability of the AD for part number
(P/N) C016–7 from ‘‘Revision N/C, A
through Z, and AA through AE’’ to
‘‘Revision AA through AE.’’ Robinson
stated that P/N C016–7 did not exist
until Revision AA and suggested that
some technicians may wrongfully apply
the proposed AD to P/N C016–5
Revisions W thru Z.
We agree and have revised the AD
accordingly.
FAA’s Determination
We have reviewed the relevant
information, considered the comment
received, 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 with the
change previously described. This
change is consistent with the intent of
the proposals in the NPRM (81 FR
33609, May 27, 2016) and will not
increase the economic burden on any
operator nor increase the scope of the
AD.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Robinson R44 Service
Bulletin SB–89, dated March 30, 2015
(SB–89), for Model R44 and R44 II
helicopters and Robinson R66 Service
Bulletin SB–13, dated March 30, 2015
(SB–13), for Model R66 helicopters. SB–
89 and SB–13 provide a one-time
procedure to inspect each MRB for
cracks, corrosion, and damage that may
indicate a crack. If there is a crack,
corrosion, or any damage, SB–89 and
SB–13 specify removing the MRB from
service and contacting Robinson.
Otherwise, SB–89 and SB–13 describe
procedures to smooth the transition at
the chord increase of each MRB to
reduce the stress concentration.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 4, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
Differences Between This AD and the
Service Information
This AD requires compliance within
the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS)
or at the next annual inspection,
whichever occurs first. The service
information recommends compliance
within 15 hours TIS or by May 31, 2015,
whichever occurs first, for the R44 and
R44 II helicopters and 10 hours TIS or
by May 31, 2015, whichever occurs first,
for the R66 helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 2,236
helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
labor costs average $85 per work hour.
Based on these estimates, we expect the
following costs:
• The visual inspection requires 1
work hour. No parts are needed, so the
cost per helicopter totals $85. The cost
for the U.S. fleet totals $190,060.
• Altering each MRB, if necessary,
requires 2 work hours and $65 for parts.
We estimate a total cost of $235 per
helicopter and $525,460 for the U.S.
fleet.
• Replacing an MRB, if necessary,
requires 3 work hours. Parts cost
$19,900 for the Model R44 and R44 II
and $20,900 for the R66 helicopter for
a total cost of $20,155 and $21,155,
respectively, per MRB.
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.
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD 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
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Jkt 241001
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):
■
2016–26–04 Robinson Helicopter Company:
Amendment 39–18762; Docket No.
FAA–2016–0733; Directorate Identifier
2015–SW–040–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter
Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II
helicopters with a main rotor blade (MRB)
part number (P/N) C016–7, Revision AA
through AE installed; and Model R66
helicopters with a MRB P/N F016–2,
Revision A through E, installed; certificated
in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
fatigue crack on an MRB. This condition
could result in failure of an MRB and loss of
helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 8,
2017.
(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.
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
717
(e) Required Actions
Within 100 hours time-in-service or at the
next annual inspection, whichever occurs
first:
(1) Clean each MRB in the area depicted in
Figure 1 of Robinson R44 Service Bulletin
SB–89, dated March 30, 2015 (SB–89), or
Robinson R66 Service Bulletin SB–13, dated
March 30, 2015 (SB–13), as applicable to
your model helicopter.
(2) Using 10X or higher power
magnification and a light, visually inspect
the upper and lower MRB surfaces and
trailing edge as depicted in Figure 1 of SB–
89 or SB–13, whichever applies to your
helicopter, for a crack, a nick, a scratch, a
dent, or corrosion. If there is a crack, a nick,
a scratch, a dent, or any corrosion, repair the
MRB to an airworthy configuration if the
damage is within the maximum repair
damage limits or remove the MRB from
service.
(3) Alter the MRB in accordance with
Compliance Procedure, paragraphs 4 through
19, of SB–89 or SB–13, as applicable to your
model helicopter. Equivalent tubing may be
used for R7769–1 and R7769–6 tubes. Power
tools may not be used for this procedure.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
Eric Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California
90712; telephone (562) 627–5348; email 9ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@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) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6210, Main Rotor Blades.
(h) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference 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) Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB–89,
dated March 30, 2015.
(ii) Robinson R66 Service Bulletin SB–13,
dated March 30, 2015.
(3) For Robinson Helicopter Company
service information identified in this AD,
contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901
Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone
(310) 539–0508; fax (310) 539–5198; or at
https://www.robinsonheli.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy,
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04JAR1
718
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 4, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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 December
15, 2016.
Stephen Barbini,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–30832 Filed 1–3–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9109; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–011–AD; Amendment
39–18761; AD 2016–26–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly
Known as Construcciones
Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013–23–
02 for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A.
Model CN–235, CN–235–100, CN–235–
200, CN–235–300, and C–295 airplanes.
AD 2013–23–02 required an inspection
of the feeder cables of certain fuel
booster pumps for damage (including,
but not limited to, signs of electrical
arcing and fuel leaks), and replacement
if necessary. This new AD retains those
requirements and also requires
modification of the electrical
installation of the fuel booster pumps.
This AD was prompted by a report of an
in-flight problem with the fuel transfer
system. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 8,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of February 8, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain other publications listed in
this AD as of December 2, 2013 (78 FR
68688, November 15, 2013).
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
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15:22 Jan 03, 2017
Jkt 241001
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
EADS CASA (Airbus Defense and
Space), Services/Engineering Support,
´
Avenida de Aragon 404, 28022 Madrid,
Spain; telephone: +34 91 585 55 84; fax:
+34 91 585 31 27; email:
MTA.TechnicalService@Airbus.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. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9109.
ADDRESSES:
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–2016–
9109; 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 (telephone: 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:
Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057–3356; telephone: 425–227–
1112; fax: 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2013–23–02,
Amendment 39–17657 (78 FR 68688,
November 15, 2013) (‘‘AD 2013–23–
02’’). AD 2013–23–02 applied to all
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model
CN–235, CN–235–100, CN–235–200,
CN–235–300, and C–295 airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 19, 2016 (81 FR
64080). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of an in-flight problem with the
fuel transfer system. The NPRM
proposed to continue to require an
inspection of the feeder cables of certain
fuel booster pumps for damage
(including, but not limited to, signs of
electrical arcing and fuel leaks), and
replacement if necessary. The NPRM
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
also proposed to require modification of
the electrical installation of the fuel
booster pumps. We are issuing this AD
to prevent damage to certain fuel
booster pumps, which could create an
ignition source in the fuel tank vapor
space, and result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0014,
dated January 14, 2016 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A.
Model CN–235, CN–235–100, CN–235–
200, CN–235–300, and C–295 airplanes.
The MCAI states:
An occurrence with a CN–235 aeroplane
was reported, involving an in-flight problem
with the fuel transfer system. The results of
the subsequent investigation revealed
damage on the fuel booster pump electrical
feeding cable and some burn marks on the
pump body and plate (fairing) at the external
side of the fuel tank; confirmed electrical
arcing between the wire and pump body; and
revealed fuel leakage onto the affected wire.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could create an ignition source in
the fuel tank vapour space, possibly resulting
in a fuel tank explosion and loss of the
aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
EADS CASA (Airbus Military) issued All
Operators Letter (AOL) 235–025 and AOL
295–025, providing inspection instructions
for the affected fuel booster pumps, Part
Number (P/N) 1C12–34 and P/N 1C12–46.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2013–0186
[which corresponds to FAA AD 2013–23–02]
to require a one-time [detailed visual]
inspection of the affected fuel booster pumps
to detect damage and, depending on findings,
replacement of the fuel booster pump. That
[EASA] AD also required reporting of all
findings to EADS CASA for evaluation.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, Airbus
Defence and Space (D&S) developed [a]
modification of the fuel boost pump
electrical installation, available for in-service
application through Airbus D&S Service
Bulletin (SB) 235–28–0023. That
modification involves improved protection of
the output of affected fuel pump harness
avoiding undesired electrical contacts and
preventing potential arcing between the
affected harness and metallic parts of the fuel
boost cover.
For the reasons described above this
[EASA] AD partially retains the requirements
of EASA AD 2013–0186, which is
superseded, and requires modification of the
fuel pump electrical installation.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9109.
E:\FR\FM\04JAR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 4, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 716-718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30832]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-0733; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-040-AD;
Amendment 39-18762; AD 2016-26-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44, R44 II, and R66
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main rotor blade (MRB).
This AD was prompted by a determination that some MRBs may have reduced
blade thickness due to blending out corrosion. The actions are intended
to prevent the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 8, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of February 8,
2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA
90505; telephone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198; or at https://www.robinsonheli.com. You may review a copy of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is
also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-0733.
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-2016-
0733; 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: Eric Schrieber, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712;
telephone (562) 627-5348; email eric.schrieber@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On May 27, 2016, at 81 FR 33609, 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 Robinson Model R44 and R44
II helicopters with an MRB part number (P/N) C016-7, Revision N/C, A
through Z, and AA through AE; and Model R66 helicopters with an MRB P/N
F016-2, Revision A through E. The NPRM proposed to require a one-time
visual inspection of the MRB for a crack, corrosion, dent, nick, and
scratch and either altering the MRB or removing it from service.
The NPRM was prompted by a report of a fatigue crack on a Model R44
II helicopter at the MRB trailing edge that had grown to reach the
blade spar. The FAA subsequently determined that some MRBs may have
reduced blade fatigue resistance due to repair by blending out
corrosion in the area of the crack site radius. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent an MRB fatigue crack, which could
lead to MRB failure and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
Comments
After our NPRM (81 FR 33609, May 27, 2016) was published, we
received a comment from one commenter.
Request
Robinson requested we change the applicability of the AD for part
number (P/N) C016-7 from ``Revision N/C, A through Z, and AA through
AE'' to ``Revision AA through AE.'' Robinson stated that P/N C016-7 did
not exist until Revision AA and suggested that some technicians may
wrongfully apply the proposed AD to P/N C016-5 Revisions W thru Z.
We agree and have revised the AD accordingly.
FAA's Determination
We have reviewed the relevant information, considered the comment
received, 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 with the change previously described. This
change is consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM (81
FR 33609, May 27, 2016) and will not increase the economic burden on
any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-89, dated March 30,
2015 (SB-89), for Model R44 and R44 II helicopters and Robinson R66
Service Bulletin SB-13, dated March 30, 2015 (SB-13), for Model R66
helicopters. SB-89 and SB-13 provide a one-time procedure to inspect
each MRB for cracks, corrosion, and damage that may indicate a crack.
If there is a crack, corrosion, or any damage, SB-89 and SB-13 specify
removing the MRB from service and contacting Robinson. Otherwise, SB-89
and SB-13 describe procedures to smooth the transition at the chord
increase of each MRB to reduce the stress concentration.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
[[Page 717]]
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
This AD requires compliance within the next 100 hours time-in-
service (TIS) or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first.
The service information recommends compliance within 15 hours TIS or by
May 31, 2015, whichever occurs first, for the R44 and R44 II
helicopters and 10 hours TIS or by May 31, 2015, whichever occurs
first, for the R66 helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 2,236 helicopters of U.S. Registry
and that labor costs average $85 per work hour. Based on these
estimates, we expect the following costs:
The visual inspection requires 1 work hour. No parts are
needed, so the cost per helicopter totals $85. The cost for the U.S.
fleet totals $190,060.
Altering each MRB, if necessary, requires 2 work hours and
$65 for parts. We estimate a total cost of $235 per helicopter and
$525,460 for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing an MRB, if necessary, requires 3 work hours.
Parts cost $19,900 for the Model R44 and R44 II and $20,900 for the R66
helicopter for a total cost of $20,155 and $21,155, respectively, per
MRB.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2016-26-04 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-18762; Docket
No. FAA-2016-0733; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-040-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model
R44 and R44 II helicopters with a main rotor blade (MRB) part number
(P/N) C016-7, Revision AA through AE installed; and Model R66
helicopters with a MRB P/N F016-2, Revision A through E, installed;
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a fatigue crack on an
MRB. This condition could result in failure of an MRB and loss of
helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 8, 2017.
(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 100 hours time-in-service or at the next annual
inspection, whichever occurs first:
(1) Clean each MRB in the area depicted in Figure 1 of Robinson
R44 Service Bulletin SB-89, dated March 30, 2015 (SB-89), or
Robinson R66 Service Bulletin SB-13, dated March 30, 2015 (SB-13),
as applicable to your model helicopter.
(2) Using 10X or higher power magnification and a light,
visually inspect the upper and lower MRB surfaces and trailing edge
as depicted in Figure 1 of SB-89 or SB-13, whichever applies to your
helicopter, for a crack, a nick, a scratch, a dent, or corrosion. If
there is a crack, a nick, a scratch, a dent, or any corrosion,
repair the MRB to an airworthy configuration if the damage is within
the maximum repair damage limits or remove the MRB from service.
(3) Alter the MRB in accordance with Compliance Procedure,
paragraphs 4 through 19, of SB-89 or SB-13, as applicable to your
model helicopter. Equivalent tubing may be used for R7769-1 and
R7769-6 tubes. Power tools may not be used for this procedure.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Eric
Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-
5348; email 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@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) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor
Blades.
(h) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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) Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-89, dated March 30, 2015.
(ii) Robinson R66 Service Bulletin SB-13, dated March 30, 2015.
(3) For Robinson Helicopter Company service information
identified in this AD, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901
Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone (310) 539-0508; fax
(310) 539-5198; or at https://www.robinsonheli.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy,
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Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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 December 15, 2016.
Stephen Barbini,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30832 Filed 1-3-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P