Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH), 12293-12295 [2017-03963]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 40 / Thursday, March 2, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 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): ■ 2017–05–04 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39–18814; Docket No. FAA–2017–0154; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–069–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, and 206L4 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tensiontorsion strap (TT strap) part number (P/N) 206–011–147–005 with a serial number BTFS–23868 through BTFS–24277 or P/N 206–011–147–007 with a serial number BT– 22719 through BT–23437 installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion of a TT strap. This condition could result in failure of the TT strap and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. this final rule, 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 the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD No. CF–2016–09, dated March 21, 2016. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–0154. 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. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Tension Torsion Strap. You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0155; 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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 final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@ faa.gov. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 17, 2017. Lance T. Gant, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–03954 Filed 3–1–17; 8:45 am] (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (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. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (e) Required Actions Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove from service any TT strap that has 1,000 or more hours TIS or 18 or more months since installation. Thereafter, remove from service any TT strap before accumulating 1,000 hours TIS or 18 months since installation, whichever occurs first. [Docket No. FAA–2017–0155; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–051–AD; Amendment 39–18813; AD 2017–05–03] pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (f) 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9ASW-FTW-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) Additional Information (1) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206–13–130, Revision A, dated October 14, 2013 for model 206A, 206B, and TH67 helicopters and ASB 206L–13–171, Revision A, dated October 14, 2013 for model 206L series helicopters, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this final rule. For service information identified in VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:48 Mar 01, 2017 Jkt 241001 12293 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model BO–105C, BO–105LS A–3, and BO–105S helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each main rotor blade (MRB) for debonding, and is prompted by a report of incorrect bonding of the shell to the MRB. These actions are intended to detect and prevent an unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017. We must receive comments on this AD by May 1, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Examining the AD Docket SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any E:\FR\FM\02MRR1.SGM 02MRR1 12294 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 40 / Thursday, March 2, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 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 them 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 rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments. pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Discussion EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued Emergency AD No. 2016–0118–E, dated June 17, 2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model BO105 C, BO105 D, BO105 LS A–3, and BO105 S helicopters, all variants except CB–5, D, DS, DBS–5, and CBS–5. According to EASA, during an inspection on a Model BO105 S helicopter, debonding was found on the erosion protective shell (shell) of an MRB, caused by incorrect preparation of the shell prior to the bonding process. EASA further states that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of the shell in-flight, which could strike the tailboom or the tail rotor, causing an imbalance in the main rotor and high vibrations. EASA also advises that these high vibrations could damage the helicopter, resulting in loss of tail rotor control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2016–0118–E requires repetitive inspections of the shells for debonding within 10 hours time-inservice (TIS) and thereafter at 50-hour TIS intervals. After the shells have completed 200 hours TIS since the shell was installed and completed an inspection of the shell, the EASA AD no longer requires the repetitive 50 hour TIS inspections. The EASA AD applies to certain part-numbered MRBs on which the shell was last replaced between December 1, 2010, and February 28, 2015, inclusive, or for which there is no maintenance record available to determine the date the shell was last replaced. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:48 Mar 01, 2017 Jkt 241001 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. Related Service Information We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) BO105–10A–128, Revision 0, dated June 16, 2016, for Model BO105C, D, and S helicopters and EASB No. BO105 LS–10A–016, Revision 0, dated June 16, 2016, for Model BO105 LS A– 3 helicopters. This service information specifies repetitively inspecting the MRB shell for delamination in accordance with the helicopter’s maintenance manual procedures. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD is applicable to the Model BO105D helicopter; this AD is not because it does not have a type certificate in the U.S. The EASA AD prohibits installing an affected MRB on any helicopter until its AD actions have been complied with. This AD does not. AD Requirements This AD applies to helicopters with certain part-numbered MRBs with shells that were last replaced between December 1, 2010, and February 28, 2015, inclusive or where the most recent date of replacement of the shell cannot be determined from the helicopter maintenance records. This AD requires inspecting each MRB shell for debonding within 10 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS until the MRB reaches 200 hours TIS. After the blade has accumulated 200 hours TIS since the last shell replacement, the 50 hours TIS inspections are terminated. If there is any debonding, this AD requires repairing or replacing the MRB before further flight. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 73 helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Inspecting the MRB shells will require 1 work-hour, for a total cost of $85 per helicopter and $6,205 for the fleet, per inspection cycle. If required, replacing an MRB will require 2 workhours and required parts will cost $114,000, for a cost per helicopter of $114,170. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the inspections required by this AD must be accomplished within 10 hours TIS and 50 hours TIS, a very short interval for helicopters used in helicopter air ambulance operations. Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. 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 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, 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); E:\FR\FM\02MRR1.SGM 02MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 40 / Thursday, March 2, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 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): ■ 2017–05–03 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Amendment 39–18813; Docket No. FAA–2017–0155; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–051–AD. pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model BO–105C, BO– 105LS A–3, and BO–105S helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor blade (MRB) part number 105–15103, 105– 15141, 105–15141V001, 105–15143, 105– 15150, 105–15150V001, 105–15152, 105– 81013, 105–87214, 1120–15101, or 1120– 15103 that has less than 200 hours time-inservice (TIS) since the MRB erosion protective shell (shell) was last replaced, and where the shell was last replaced between December 1, 2010, and February 28, 2015, inclusive or where the most recent date of replacement of the shell is unknown. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as debonding of the shell of an MRB. This condition could result in loss of the shell inflight, which could strike the tailboom or tail rotor, resulting in loss of tail rotor control, high main rotor vibration, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:48 Mar 01, 2017 Jkt 241001 specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Within 10 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS: (1) Inspect by tap test each MRB for debonding of the shell. (2) If the shell has debonded in any area, before further flight, repair any debonding that does not exceed the maximum repair damage limits, or replace the MRB. (f) 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9ASW-FTW-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) Additional Information (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) BO105–10A–128 for Model BO105C, D, and S helicopters and EASB BO105 LS–10A–016 for Model BO105 LS A–3 helicopters, both Revision 0, and dated June 16, 2016, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this final rule. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2016–0118–E, dated June 17, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–0155. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210 Main Rotor Blade. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 21, 2017. Lance T. Gant, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–03963 Filed 3–1–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 12295 ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE BOARD 36 CFR Parts 1193 and 1194 RIN 3014–AA37 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. ACTION: Final rule; delay of effective date. AGENCY: The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is briefly postponing the effective date of its recently-promulgated final rule that establishes revised accessibility standards and guidelines for information and communication technology (ICT). The ICT final rule was published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2017, and is scheduled to become effective on March 20, 2017. A brief postponement of this effective date is necessitated by the memorandum from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, entitled ‘‘Regulatory Freeze Pending Review’’ (Jan. 20, 2017), which generally calls on Federal agencies to delay the effective dates of published, but not-yet-effective, final rules for 60 days from the date of the memorandum. The ICT final rule will take effect on March 21, 2017. DATES: The effective date of the final rule published on January 18, 2017 at 82 FR 5790 is delayed to March 21, 2017. However, compliance with the section 508-based standards is not required until January 18, 2018, which is one year after the final rule’s original publication date. Compliance with the section 255-based guidelines is not required until the guidelines are adopted by the Federal Communications Commission. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the final rule published on January 18, 2017 at 82 FR 5790 is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 21, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frances Spiegel, Attorney Advisor, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street NW., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004–1111. Telephone number: (202) 272–0041. Email address: spiegel@accessboard.gov. SUMMARY: On January 18, 2017, the Access Board issued a final rule that revised and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\02MRR1.SGM 02MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 40 (Thursday, March 2, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12293-12295]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03963]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0155; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-051-AD; 
Amendment 39-18813; AD 2017-05-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(Airbus Helicopters) (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model BO-105C, BO-105LS A-3, and BO-105S helicopters. This 
AD requires inspecting each main rotor blade (MRB) for debonding, and 
is prompted by a report of incorrect bonding of the shell to the MRB. 
These actions are intended to detect and prevent an unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017.
    We must receive comments on this AD by May 1, 2017.

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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0155; 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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 final rule, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
https://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any

[[Page 12294]]

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 them 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 
rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments 
we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those 
comments.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued Emergency AD No. 2016-0118-E, dated June 17, 
2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model BO105 
C, BO105 D, BO105 LS A-3, and BO105 S helicopters, all variants except 
CB-5, D, DS, DBS-5, and CBS-5. According to EASA, during an inspection 
on a Model BO105 S helicopter, debonding was found on the erosion 
protective shell (shell) of an MRB, caused by incorrect preparation of 
the shell prior to the bonding process. EASA further states that this 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of the 
shell in-flight, which could strike the tailboom or the tail rotor, 
causing an imbalance in the main rotor and high vibrations. EASA also 
advises that these high vibrations could damage the helicopter, 
resulting in loss of tail rotor control and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.
    To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2016-0118-E requires 
repetitive inspections of the shells for debonding within 10 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 50-hour TIS intervals. After 
the shells have completed 200 hours TIS since the shell was installed 
and completed an inspection of the shell, the EASA AD no longer 
requires the repetitive 50 hour TIS inspections. The EASA AD applies to 
certain part-numbered MRBs on which the shell was last replaced between 
December 1, 2010, and February 28, 2015, inclusive, or for which there 
is no maintenance record available to determine the date the shell was 
last replaced.

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.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
(EASB) BO105-10A-128, Revision 0, dated June 16, 2016, for Model 
BO105C, D, and S helicopters and EASB No. BO105 LS-10A-016, Revision 0, 
dated June 16, 2016, for Model BO105 LS A-3 helicopters. This service 
information specifies repetitively inspecting the MRB shell for 
delamination in accordance with the helicopter's maintenance manual 
procedures.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD is applicable to the Model BO105D helicopter; this AD 
is not because it does not have a type certificate in the U.S. The EASA 
AD prohibits installing an affected MRB on any helicopter until its AD 
actions have been complied with. This AD does not.

AD Requirements

    This AD applies to helicopters with certain part-numbered MRBs with 
shells that were last replaced between December 1, 2010, and February 
28, 2015, inclusive or where the most recent date of replacement of the 
shell cannot be determined from the helicopter maintenance records. 
This AD requires inspecting each MRB shell for debonding within 10 
hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS until 
the MRB reaches 200 hours TIS. After the blade has accumulated 200 
hours TIS since the last shell replacement, the 50 hours TIS 
inspections are terminated. If there is any debonding, this AD requires 
repairing or replacing the MRB before further flight.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 73 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
    At an average labor rate of $85, we estimate that operators may 
incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Inspecting 
the MRB shells will require 1 work-hour, for a total cost of $85 per 
helicopter and $6,205 for the fleet, per inspection cycle. If required, 
replacing an MRB will require 2 work-hours and required parts will cost 
$114,000, for a cost per helicopter of $114,170.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that 
the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment 
prior to the adoption of this rule because the inspections required by 
this AD must be accomplished within 10 hours TIS and 50 hours TIS, a 
very short interval for helicopters used in helicopter air ambulance 
operations.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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 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, 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);

[[Page 12295]]

    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):

2017-05-03 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Amendment 39-18813; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0155; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-051-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model BO-
105C, BO-105LS A-3, and BO-105S helicopters, certificated in any 
category, with a main rotor blade (MRB) part number 105-15103, 105-
15141, 105-15141V001, 105-15143, 105-15150, 105-15150V001, 105-
15152, 105-81013, 105-87214, 1120-15101, or 1120-15103 that has less 
than 200 hours time-in-service (TIS) since the MRB erosion 
protective shell (shell) was last replaced, and where the shell was 
last replaced between December 1, 2010, and February 28, 2015, 
inclusive or where the most recent date of replacement of the shell 
is unknown.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as debonding of the shell 
of an MRB. This condition could result in loss of the shell in-
flight, which could strike the tailboom or tail rotor, resulting in 
loss of tail rotor control, high main rotor vibration, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 17, 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 10 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
50 hours TIS:
    (1) Inspect by tap test each MRB for debonding of the shell.
    (2) If the shell has debonded in any area, before further 
flight, repair any debonding that does not exceed the maximum repair 
damage limits, or replace the MRB.

(f) 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 
222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-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) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) 
BO105-10A-128 for Model BO105C, D, and S helicopters and EASB BO105 
LS-10A-016 for Model BO105 LS A-3 helicopters, both Revision 0, and 
dated June 16, 2016, which are not incorporated by reference, 
contain additional information about the subject of this final rule. 
For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or 
at https://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review a copy 
of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2016-0118-E, dated June 17, 
2016. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0155.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210 Main Rotor 
Blade.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 21, 2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-03963 Filed 3-1-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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