Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 21683-21685 [2017-09373]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 89 / Wednesday, May 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations may not have been submitted in response to the prior opportunities for comment described above. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 14 CFR Part 39 Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. [Docket No. FAA–2016–6436; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–037–AD; Amendment 39–18869; AD 2017–09–07] The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows: RIN 2120–AA64 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704. The Special Conditions jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of the type certification basis for Textron Aviation Inc. Model 700 airplanes. In lieu of compliance with § 25.349(a), the following conditions, speeds, and cockpit roll control motions (except as the motions may be limited by pilot effort) must be considered in combination with an airplane load factor of zero and of two-thirds of the positive maneuvering factor used in design. In determining the resulting control-surface deflections, the torsional flexibility of the wing must be considered in accordance with § 25.301(b): 1. Conditions corresponding to steady rolling velocities must be investigated. In addition, conditions corresponding to maximum angular acceleration must be investigated for airplanes with engines or other weight concentrations outboard of the fuselage. For the angularacceleration conditions, zero rolling velocity may be assumed in the absence of a rational time history investigation of the maneuver. 2. At VA, sudden movement of the cockpit roll control up to the limit is applied. The position of the cockpit roll control must be maintained until a steady roll rate is achieved, and then must be returned suddenly to the neutral position. 3. At VC, the cockpit roll control must be moved suddenly and maintained so as to achieve a roll rate not less than that obtained in paragraph 2. 4. At VD, the cockpit roll control must be moved suddenly and maintained so as to achieve a roll rate not less than one third of that obtained in paragraph 2. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 2017. Michael Kaszycki, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–09440 Filed 5–9–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:27 May 09, 2017 Jkt 241001 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: 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– 6436; 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 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email george.schwab@faa.gov. Discussion We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness and was prompted by a report that the heatshrinkable sleeve prevented the twist grip on the collective from being fully engaged during a flight test. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective June 14, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of June 14, 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– 6436. Frm 00007 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: PO 00000 21683 On December 7, 2016, at 81 FR 88143, 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 MBB–BK 117 C– 2 helicopters, serial numbers 9004 through 9708. The NPRM proposed to require visually inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness for proper installation of the heat-shrinkable and transparent sleeves. The proposed requirements were intended to detect an incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness, which if not corrected, could result in chafing of the wiring and subsequent failure of the hoist cable cutter or emergency landing gear flotation systems. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015–0144, dated July 21, 2015, 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– BK117 C–2 helicopters, up to serial number 9708. EASA advises that, during a flight test, the pilot could not fully engage a twist grip on a Model MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopter. According to EASA, further investigation found a transparent sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness damaged because of incorrect installation of the heatshrinkable sleeve. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in chafing of the harness, leading to the malfunction of the affected systems, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires a one-time inspection of the heat-shrinkable and transparent sleeves installed on the collective lever wiring harness. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM. E:\FR\FM\10MYR1.SGM 10MYR1 21684 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 89 / Wednesday, May 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 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. 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 Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB–BK117 C–2– 88A–010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015 (ASB), which specifies a visual inspection of the heat-shrinkable sleeve for correct position. If the sleeve’s position is incorrect, the ASB specifies shortening the sleeve. If there is any damage, the ASB calls for replacing the damaged parts. 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. 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. Costs of Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 We estimate that this AD affects 113 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work hour. • Inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness for the correct position of the heat-shrinkable sleeve requires 1.5 work hours. No parts are required for a total cost of $128 per helicopter and $14,464 for the U.S. fleet. • Replacing or repairing the sleeves requires 5.5 work hours, and parts cost $10, for a total cost of $478 per helicopter. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The compliance time in the EASA AD is based on whether the helicopter has an externally mounted hoist or emergency flotation system. This AD requires compliance within 100 hours time-in-service for all applicable helicopters. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:27 May 09, 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): ■ PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 2017–09–07 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39– 18869; Docket No. FAA–2016–6436; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–037–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopters, serial numbers 9004 through 9708, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as an incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness. This condition could result in chafing of the wiring and subsequent failure of the hoist cable cutter or emergency landing gear flotation systems. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective June 14, 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, remove the pilot collective lever and visually inspect the pilot collective lever wiring harness for proper installation of the heat-shrinkable sleeve and transparent sleeve and for damage in accordance with paragraph 3.B.2.1 and as depicted in Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB–BK117 C–2– 88A–010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015 (ASB). (1) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve and transparent sleeve are installed as depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB and there is no damage, install the collective lever in accordance with paragraphs 3.B.2.3.a through 3.B.2.3.f of the ASB. (2) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve or transparent sleeve is installed as depicted in Figure 3, Detail B of the ASB, alter the heatshrinkable sleeve as depicted in Figure 3, Detail C. (3) If the transparent sleeve is damaged as depicted in Figure 4, Detail D of the ASB, replace the heat-shrinkable sleeve, transparent sleeve, and identification sleeve. Replace any wire that has a nick, scratch, cut, or is frayed. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASWFTW-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. E:\FR\FM\10MYR1.SGM 10MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 89 / Wednesday, May 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations (g) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015–0144, dated July 21, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2016–6436. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Wheel/Ski/Float/Emergency Equipment, 3246/2560. (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–2–88A–010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015. (ii) Reserved. (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 (202) 741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 27, 2017. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–09373 Filed 5–9–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION 16 CFR Part 4 Freedom of Information Act; Miscellaneous Rules AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES (FTC). ACTION: Final rule. The Federal Trade Commission is implementing provisions of the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 by amending the regulation governing fees the agency may assess to offset the cost of disseminating information and SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:27 May 09, 2017 Jkt 241001 records to the public. The FTC is also making other clarifying changes and updates to the fee regulation. DATES: These amendments are effective May 10, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: G. Richard Gold, Attorney, (202) 326–3355, Office of the General Counsel, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20580. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a document previously published in the Federal Register, 81 FR 93861 (Dec. 22, 2016), the Federal Trade Commission, as required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), sought comments on proposed revisions to its fee regulation. See 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)(i). The FTC proposed to change its fee schedule to implement the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (the ‘‘2016 FOIA Amendments’’) 1 as appropriate and to revise the regulation to account for other fee-related changes.2 A. Public Comments The FTC received two comments in response to the proposed rule changes: one from Hartley Rathaway and one from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (‘‘Reporters Committee’’).3 Comment by Hartley Rathaway The comment from Hartley Rathaway argues that ‘‘it is [not] fair that the government should force the citizenry to bear the costs of seeing the truth. Cut spending on wars, cut subsidies for the oligarchs, and then put that money toward uses like these. Charging us fees for information is unjust.’’ The FTC understands this concern and notes that most agency FOIA responses do not impose any costs on the requester. For example, members of the public are entitled to two hours of free search time and 100 free pages, and are not charged for review time.4 Other requester categories (including Educational, Noncommercial Scientific Institution, or News Media) are not charged for search 1 On June 30, 2016, President Obama signed into law the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, Public Law 114–185, amending the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552. The new law addresses a range of procedural issues and places additional limitations on assessing search fees (or, for requesters with preferred fee status, duplication fees) if an agency’s response time to a requester is delayed. 2 On December 22, 2016, the FTC also implemented a final rule that incorporated other parts of the 2016 FOIA Amendments. 81 FR 93804. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, these changes did not require public comment. 3 See https://www.ftc.gov/policy/publiccomments/initiative-691 for links to each comment. 4 16 CFR 4.8(b). PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 21685 or review time, and are also entitled to 100 free pages.5 The FTC also waives fees if the total chargeable fees for a request are under $25.00.6 Finally, the Commission may produce releasable records without any charge or at a charge reduced below the established fees if disclosure of the information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government, and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.7 Requesters are required to provide support for a fee waiver or reduction request, or a request to be granted status in one of the noncommercial requester categories. Additionally, the FTC follows FOIA statutory language and Office of Management and Budget (‘‘OMB’’) directives to recoup allowable direct costs. The Freedom of Information Reform Act of 1986 (‘‘FOIA Reform Act’’) charged the OMB with responsibility for promulgating, pursuant to notice and comment, guidelines containing a uniform schedule of fees for individual agencies to follow when promulgating their FOIA fee regulations. 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)(i). On March 27, 1987, the OMB issued its Uniform Freedom of Information Act Fee Schedule and Guidelines (OMB Fee Guidelines) but also concluded that issuance of a government-wide fee schedule was precluded by language of the FOIA Reform Act requiring ‘‘each agency’s fees to be based upon its direct reasonable operating costs of providing FOIA services.’’ See 52 FR at 10015. The FOIA Reform Act mandated that agencies conform their fee schedules to these guidelines. The guidelines specifically direct that ‘‘[a]gencies should charge fees that recoup the full allowable direct costs they incur . . . and shall use the most efficient and least costly methods to comply with requests for documents made under the FOIA.’’ Id. at 10018. The FTC enforces this OMB directive to recoup allowable direct costs while also providing for lower cost requester categories and fee reductions or waivers as directed. Comment by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press The Reporters Committee supports the FTC’s efforts to update its regulations to comply with FOIA but argues that two aspects of the proposed rule are inconsistent with both the text of FOIA and its recent interpretation by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District 5 Id. 6 16 7 16 CFR 4.8(b)(4). CFR 4.8(e). E:\FR\FM\10MYR1.SGM 10MYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 10, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21683-21685]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-09373]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6436; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-037-AD; 
Amendment 39-18869; AD 2017-09-07]
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 (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK117 C-2 
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the pilot collective wiring 
harness and was prompted by a report that the heat-shrinkable sleeve 
prevented the twist grip on the collective from being fully engaged 
during a flight test. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 14, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of June 14, 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-2016-6436.

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-
6436; 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: George Schwab, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
george.schwab@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On December 7, 2016, at 81 FR 88143, 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 MBB-
BK 117 C-2 helicopters, serial numbers 9004 through 9708. The NPRM 
proposed to require visually inspecting the pilot collective wiring 
harness for proper installation of the heat-shrinkable and transparent 
sleeves. The proposed requirements were intended to detect an 
incorrectly installed heat-shrinkable sleeve on the collective lever 
wiring harness, which if not corrected, could result in chafing of the 
wiring and subsequent failure of the hoist cable cutter or emergency 
landing gear flotation systems.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0144, dated July 21, 2015, 
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-BK117 C-2 helicopters, up to serial number 9708. 
EASA advises that, during a flight test, the pilot could not fully 
engage a twist grip on a Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopter. According to 
EASA, further investigation found a transparent sleeve on the 
collective lever wiring harness damaged because of incorrect 
installation of the heat-shrinkable sleeve. This condition, if not 
detected and corrected, could result in chafing of the harness, leading 
to the malfunction of the affected systems, EASA advises. EASA 
consequently requires a one-time inspection of the heat-shrinkable and 
transparent sleeves installed on the collective lever wiring harness.

Comments

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

[[Page 21684]]

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 compliance time in the EASA AD is based on whether the 
helicopter has an externally mounted hoist or emergency flotation 
system. This AD requires compliance within 100 hours time-in-service 
for all applicable helicopters.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-BK117 
C-2-88A-010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015 (ASB), which specifies a 
visual inspection of the heat-shrinkable sleeve for correct position. 
If the sleeve's position is incorrect, the ASB specifies shortening the 
sleeve. If there is any damage, the ASB calls for replacing the damaged 
parts.
    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 113 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 a work hour.
     Inspecting the pilot collective wiring harness for the 
correct position of the heat-shrinkable sleeve requires 1.5 work hours. 
No parts are required for a total cost of $128 per helicopter and 
$14,464 for the U.S. fleet.
     Replacing or repairing the sleeves requires 5.5 work 
hours, and parts cost $10, for a total cost of $478 per helicopter.

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):

2017-09-07 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-18869; 
Docket No. FAA-2016-6436; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-037-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus 
Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, serial numbers 9004 
through 9708, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an incorrectly installed 
heat-shrinkable sleeve on the collective lever wiring harness. This 
condition could result in chafing of the wiring and subsequent 
failure of the hoist cable cutter or emergency landing gear 
flotation systems.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective June 14, 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, remove the pilot collective 
lever and visually inspect the pilot collective lever wiring harness 
for proper installation of the heat-shrinkable sleeve and 
transparent sleeve and for damage in accordance with paragraph 
3.B.2.1 and as depicted in Figure 2 of Airbus Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 C-2-88A-010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 
2015 (ASB).
    (1) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve and transparent sleeve are 
installed as depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB and there is no damage, 
install the collective lever in accordance with paragraphs 3.B.2.3.a 
through 3.B.2.3.f of the ASB.
    (2) If the heat-shrinkable sleeve or transparent sleeve is 
installed as depicted in Figure 3, Detail B of the ASB, alter the 
heat-shrinkable sleeve as depicted in Figure 3, Detail C.
    (3) If the transparent sleeve is damaged as depicted in Figure 
4, Detail D of the ASB, replace the heat-shrinkable sleeve, 
transparent sleeve, and identification sleeve. Replace any wire that 
has a nick, scratch, cut, or is frayed.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, 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.

[[Page 21685]]

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0144, dated July 21, 2015. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2016-6436.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Wheel/Ski/Float/
Emergency Equipment, 3246/2560.

(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-2-88A-
010, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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 (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 27, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-09373 Filed 5-9-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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