Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 19183-19185 [2017-08185]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 26, 2017 / Rules and Regulations Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 11, 2017. Robert J. Ganley, Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–08409 Filed 4–25–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–6928; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–018–AD; Amendment 39–18864; AD 2017–09–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 and MBB–BK 117 D– 2 helicopters. This AD requires installing rivets to the air inlet cover rings (rings). This AD was prompted by reports of rings detaching. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective May 31, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of May 31, 2017. ADDRESSES: 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/ FO/scripts/myFO_login.php. 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. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 6928. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES SUMMARY: 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– 6928; or in person at the Docket VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 241001 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, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– 647–5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On January 5, 2017, at 82 FR 1252, 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 Airbus Helicopters Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 (including configuration C–2e) helicopters, serial number 9004 through 9725, and Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters, serial number 20003 through 20045, with an air inlet part number (P/N) B212M20C1005 installed. The NPRM proposed inspecting each ring and determining if it is loose, and gluing and installing rivets to the rings. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a ring from detaching, which could then become stuck between the air inlet and the cyclic stick, restricting movement of the cyclic stick. This condition could result in loss of helicopter control. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016–0001, dated January 4, 2016, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB–BK 117 C–2, Model MBB–BK117 C–2e, Model MBB–BK117 D–2, and MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters. EASA advises that a ring detached and got stuck between the air inlet and the cyclic stick on a Model MBB–BK117 C– 2 helicopter and an inspection on another helicopter found a second loose cover ring. EASA states that this condition, if not corrected, could affect the cyclic stick’s range of movement, possibly resulting in degraded control of the helicopter. The EASA AD consequently requires inspections and reinforcement of the rings’ installation. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 19183 Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD applies to Model MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters. This AD does not because this model does not have an FAA type certificate. The EASA AD requires compliance for Model MBB–BK117 D–2 helicopters within 400 hours time-in-service (TIS), while this AD requires compliance within 100 hours TIS. The EASA AD requires marking the air inlet with the applicable alert service bulletin once it is glued and riveted, while this AD does not. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C– 2–21A–011 for Model MBB–BK 117 C– 2 and Model MBB–BK117 C–2e helicopters and ASB MBB–BK117 D–2– 21A–004 for Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 and Model MBB–BK 117 D–2m helicopters. Both ASBs are Revision 0 and dated November 16, 2015. This service information introduces an improved attachment method for the ring using rivets. The ASBs specify inspecting the air inlet to determine whether the ring is loose, and then gluing and riveting the ring to the air inlet at different timeframes, depending on whether it is loose. 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. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 141 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: E:\FR\FM\26APR1.SGM 26APR1 19184 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 26, 2017 / Rules and Regulations Manually inspecting the left and right air inlet cover rings requires a half work-hour for a labor cost of $43 per helicopter. No parts are needed, so the U.S. fleet cost totals $6,063. Riveting the rings requires 2 workhours for a labor cost of $170 per helicopter. The cost for parts is minimal for a U.S. fleet cost of $23,970. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Apr 25, 2017 Jkt 241001 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): ■ 2017–09–02 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39– 18864; Docket No. FAA–2016–6928; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–018–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 C– 2 (including configuration C–2e) helicopters, serial number 9004 through 9725, and Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters, serial number 20003 through 20045, certificated in any category, with an air inlet part number (P/N) B212M20C1005 installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a detached air inlet cover ring (ring), which could become stuck between the air inlet and the cyclic stick, restricting movement of the cyclic stick. This condition could result in loss of helicopter control. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective May 31, 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 (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), manually inspect each ring to determine if it is loose. If a ring is loose, before further flight, glue the ring on the air inlet using an adhesive (CM 687 or CM 6044 or equivalent) as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C– 2–21A–011, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015 (ASB C–2–21A–011), or ASB MBB– BK117 D–2–21A–004, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015 (ASB D–2–21A–004), as applicable to your model helicopter. Rivet the ring to the air inlet in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.4.2 through 3.B.4.4 of ASB C–2–21A–011 or paragraphs 3.B.3.2 through 3.B.3.4 of ASB D–2–21A–004. (2) If a ring is not loose, within 400 hours TIS: (i) Manually inspect the ring to determine if it is loose. If the ring is loose, before further flight, glue the ring on the air inlet using an adhesive (CM 687 or CM 6044 or equivalent) as shown in Figure 1 of ASB C–2–21A–011 or ASB D–2–21A–004. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (ii) Rivet the ring to the air inlet in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.3.2 through 3.B.3.4 of ASB C–2–21A–011 or paragraphs 3.B.2.2 through 3.B.2.4 of ASB D–2–21A– 004. (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an air inlet P/N B212M20C1005 on any helicopter unless the ring has been riveted to the air inlet in accordance with the requirements of this AD. (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 The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016–0001, dated January 4, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2016–6928. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2150, Cabin Cooling System. (i) 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB–BK117 C–2–21A–011, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015. (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB–BK117 D–2–21A–004, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015. (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this AD, 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/FO/scripts/myFO_login.php. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 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 E:\FR\FM\26APR1.SGM 26APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 79 / Wednesday, April 26, 2017 / Rules and Regulations (202) 741–6030, or go to: https://www. archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 18, 2017. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–08185 Filed 4–25–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0019; Directorate Identifier 2016–CE–038–AD; Amendment 39–18861; AD 2017–08–12] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; GROB Aircraft AG Gliders Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GROB Aircraft AG Models GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B gliders. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as broken pivots of the tail wheel mounting bracket resulting from corrosion and damage due to wear. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD is effective May 31, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 31, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0019; or in person at Document 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 service information identified in this AD, contact GROB Aircraft AG, Product Support, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D–86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, telephone: + 49 (0) 8268–998– 105; fax: + 49 (0) 8268–998–200; email: mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Apr 25, 2017 productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet: grob-aircraft.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA–2017–0019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4165; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: jim.rutherford@ faa.gov. Jkt 241001 We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to GROB Aircraft AG Models GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B gliders. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2017 (82 FR 5456). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states: Occurrences were reported of broken pivots of the tail wheel mounting bracket. Subsequent investigation attributed these events to corrosion and damage due to wear. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to loss of rudder control, resulting in reduced control of the powered sailplane. To address this potentially unsafe condition, Grob Aircraft AG issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 817–70 (hereafter referred to as ‘the MSB’ in this [EASA] AD) to provide inspection and repair instructions. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of the tail wheel mounting bracket and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://www. regulations.gov/document?D=FAA2017-0019-0002. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 19185 public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed GROB Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB817–70, dated September 28, 2016, which describes procedures for inspection of the tail mounting bracket; and GROB Aircraft AG Repair Instruction RI 817–015, dated September 16, 2016, which provides instructions for any necessary repair. 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 of this final rule. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 57 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $50 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $17,385, or $305 per product. In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 5 work-hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of $525 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions. 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 E:\FR\FM\26APR1.SGM 26APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 79 (Wednesday, April 26, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19183-19185]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-08185]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6928; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-018-AD; 
Amendment 39-18864; AD 2017-09-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters (Airbus Helicopters) Model 
MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD requires 
installing rivets to the air inlet cover rings (rings). This AD was 
prompted by reports of rings detaching. The actions of this AD are 
intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 31, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of May 31, 2017.

ADDRESSES: 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/FO/scripts/myFO_login.php. 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. It is also available 
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-6928.

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-
6928; 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, any 
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On January 5, 2017, at 82 FR 1252, 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 Airbus Helicopters 
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 (including configuration C-2e) helicopters, serial 
number 9004 through 9725, and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, serial 
number 20003 through 20045, with an air inlet part number (P/N) 
B212M20C1005 installed. The NPRM proposed inspecting each ring and 
determining if it is loose, and gluing and installing rivets to the 
rings. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a ring from 
detaching, which could then become stuck between the air inlet and the 
cyclic stick, restricting movement of the cyclic stick. This condition 
could result in loss of helicopter control.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016-0001, dated January 4, 2016, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 C-2, Model MBB-BK117 C-2e, Model MBB-BK117 
D-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters. EASA advises that a ring detached 
and got stuck between the air inlet and the cyclic stick on a Model 
MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopter and an inspection on another helicopter found 
a second loose cover ring. EASA states that this condition, if not 
corrected, could affect the cyclic stick's range of movement, possibly 
resulting in degraded control of the helicopter. The EASA AD 
consequently requires inspections and reinforcement of the rings' 
installation.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM.

FAA's Determination

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

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters. This AD 
does not because this model does not have an FAA type certificate. The 
EASA AD requires compliance for Model MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters within 
400 hours time-in-service (TIS), while this AD requires compliance 
within 100 hours TIS. The EASA AD requires marking the air inlet with 
the applicable alert service bulletin once it is glued and riveted, 
while this AD does not.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-
BK117 C-2-21A-011 for Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and Model MBB-BK117 C-2e 
helicopters and ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-21A-004 for Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 and 
Model MBB-BK 117 D-2m helicopters. Both ASBs are Revision 0 and dated 
November 16, 2015. This service information introduces an improved 
attachment method for the ring using rivets. The ASBs specify 
inspecting the air inlet to determine whether the ring is loose, and 
then gluing and riveting the ring to the air inlet at different 
timeframes, depending on whether it is loose.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 141 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:

[[Page 19184]]

    Manually inspecting the left and right air inlet cover rings 
requires a half work-hour for a labor cost of $43 per helicopter. No 
parts are needed, so the U.S. fleet cost totals $6,063.
    Riveting the rings requires 2 work-hours for a labor cost of $170 
per helicopter. The cost for parts is minimal for a U.S. fleet cost of 
$23,970.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2017-09-02 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-18864; 
Docket No. FAA-2016-6928; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-018-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
MBB-BK 117 C-2 (including configuration C-2e) helicopters, serial 
number 9004 through 9725, and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, 
serial number 20003 through 20045, certificated in any category, 
with an air inlet part number (P/N) B212M20C1005 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a detached air inlet 
cover ring (ring), which could become stuck between the air inlet 
and the cyclic stick, restricting movement of the cyclic stick. This 
condition could result in loss of helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 31, 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

    (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), manually inspect 
each ring to determine if it is loose. If a ring is loose, before 
further flight, glue the ring on the air inlet using an adhesive (CM 
687 or CM 6044 or equivalent) as shown in Figure 1 of Airbus 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-BK117 C-2-21A-011, 
Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015 (ASB C-2-21A-011), or ASB MBB-
BK117 D-2-21A-004, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015 (ASB D-2-21A-
004), as applicable to your model helicopter. Rivet the ring to the 
air inlet in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B.4.2 through 3.B.4.4 of ASB C-2-21A-011 or paragraphs 
3.B.3.2 through 3.B.3.4 of ASB D-2-21A-004.
    (2) If a ring is not loose, within 400 hours TIS:
    (i) Manually inspect the ring to determine if it is loose. If 
the ring is loose, before further flight, glue the ring on the air 
inlet using an adhesive (CM 687 or CM 6044 or equivalent) as shown 
in Figure 1 of ASB C-2-21A-011 or ASB D-2-21A-004.
    (ii) Rivet the ring to the air inlet in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.3.2 through 3.B.3.4 of 
ASB C-2-21A-011 or paragraphs 3.B.2.2 through 3.B.2.4 of ASB D-2-
21A-004.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an air 
inlet P/N B212M20C1005 on any helicopter unless the ring has been 
riveted to the air inlet in accordance with the requirements of this 
AD.

(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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0001, dated January 4, 2016. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2016-6928.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2150, Cabin 
Cooling System.

(i) 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 C-2-21A-
011, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-2-
21A-004, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2015.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, 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/FO/scripts/myFO_login.php.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 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

[[Page 19185]]

(202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 18, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-08185 Filed 4-25-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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