Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 26387-26389 [2018-12227]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 110 / Thursday, June 7, 2018 / Proposed Rules of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, replacement, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, replacement deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. and MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require altering and re-identifying the overhead panel shock mount assembly (shock mount). This proposed AD is prompted by the manufacturer’s stress recalculations. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 6, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to (p) Related Information https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the (1) For more information about this AD, online instructions for sending your contact Jeffrey Chang, Aerospace Engineer, comments electronically. Propulsion Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO • Fax: 202–493–2251. Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– 5263; fax: 562–627–5210; email: Department of Transportation, Docket jeffrey.chang@faa.gov or George Garrido, Operations, M–30, West Building Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; 20590–0001. phone: 562–627–5232; fax: 562–627–5210; • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the email george.garrido@faa.gov. ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 (2) For service information identified in p.m., Monday through Friday, except this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Federal holidays. Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May 24, 2018. James Cashdollar, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–12128 Filed 6–6–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0517; Product Identifier 2017–SW–098–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Jun 06, 2018 Jkt 244001 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–2018– 0517; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed 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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/ en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 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 Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 26387 Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017– 0026, dated February 14, 2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB–BK 117 C–2, MBB–BK117 C–2e, MBB–BK 117 D–2, and MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters. EASA advises that a recent stress calculation identified that the shock mount may not withstand certification crash loads. EASA states that this condition, if not corrected, could lead to the overhead panel disconnecting during an emergency landing and injuring occupants. Accordingly, the EASA AD requires modifying and reidentifying the shock mounts. 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 its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. E:\FR\FM\07JNP1.SGM 07JNP1 26388 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 110 / Thursday, June 7, 2018 / Proposed Rules Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C– 2–24A–015 for Model MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopters and ASB MBB–BK117 D–2– 24A–004 for Model MBB–BK117 D-2 helicopters, both Revision 0 and dated September 14, 2016. This service information contains procedures for altering the shock mounts by installing retaining plates and re-identifying the shock mounts by changing the last three digits of the part number (P/N) to –966. 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. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require installing a retaining plate on the shock mount and re-identifying the shock mount by changing the last three digits of the P/N to –966. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing shock mount P/N B246M2035102 and P/N B246M2036101 on any helicopter. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD applies to Model MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters, whereas this proposed AD would not since the Model MBB–BK117 D–2m is not FAA type-certificated. This proposed AD would also not include the Model MBB– BK117 C–2(e) in the applicability section because it is a marketing designation and not an FAA typecertificated model. However, this proposed AD would apply to those helicopters, as they are Model MBB– BK117 C–2 helicopters. The EASA AD specifies particular helicopter serial numbers (S/Ns) that may not be required to complete some of the requirements of the AD since the specified S/Ns were manufactured with shock mounts not affected by the unsafe condition. This proposed AD does not specify particular S/Ns. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 144 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Installing retaining plates and reidentifying the four shock mounts would take about 3 work-hours and parts would cost about $184 for a total estimated cost of $439 per helicopter and $63,216 for the U.S. fleet. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Jun 06, 2018 Jkt 244001 According to Airbus Helicopter’s service information, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Airbus. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA–2018–0517; Product Identifier 2017–SW–098–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model MBB–BK 117 C– 2 and Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with an overhead panel shock mount assembly part number (P/N) B246M2035102 or P/N B246M2036101 installed. Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: Helicopters with an MBB–BK117 C–2e designation are Model MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopters. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an overhead panel shock mount assembly (shock mount). This condition could result in detachment of the overhead panel and injury to occupants during an emergency landing. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by August 6, 2018. (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 300 hours time-in-service: (i) Install a retaining plate on each shock mount by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2.1. through 3.B.2.4, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C–2–24A–015, Revision 0, dated September 14, 2016 (ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–24A–015), or ASB MBB– BK117 D–2–24A–004, Revision 0, dated September 14, 2016 (ASB MBB–BK117 D–2– 24A–004), as applicable to your model helicopter. (ii) Re-identify shock mount P/N B246M2035102 as P/N B246M2035966 and shock mount P/N B246M2036101 as P/N B246M2036966 using permanent ink. When the ink is dry, apply varnish over the P/N. (iii) Re-install each shock mount. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a shock mount P/N B246M2035102 or P/N B246M2036101 on any helicopter. E:\FR\FM\07JNP1.SGM 07JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 110 / Thursday, June 7, 2018 / Proposed Rules (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 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. (g) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017–0026, dated February 14, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2400, Electrical Power System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 31, 2018. James A. Grigg, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–12227 Filed 6–6–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2018–0503; Product Identifier 2018–NM–048–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; 328 Support Services GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 328 Support Services GmbH Model 328–100 and –300 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating corrosion on the horizontal stabilizer bearing supports at the contact surface to the horizontal stabilizer rear spar. This proposed AD would require inspections for corrosion and any other damage (i.e., cracking and chafing) of sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: 15:57 Jun 06, 2018 Jkt 244001 this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2018–0503; Product Identifier 2018– NM–048–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this NPRM. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017–0239, dated November 30, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all 328 Support Services GmbH Model 328–100 and –300 airplanes. The MCAI states: Comments Invited Occurrences were reported on horizontal stabilizer bearing supports being found corroded at the contact surface to the horizontal stabilizer rear spar. The corroded area was at the lower flange position, which is connected to the stabilizer rear spar and not visible without detachment of the fitting. Investigation determined that the corrosion is triggered by galvanic effect, due to a direct contact between the horizontal stabilizer rear spar, made from CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic), and the aluminium rear attachment fitting. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the fitting and loss of one load path of the horizontal stabilizer attachment, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, 328 Support Services GmbH (328 SSG) issued Service Bulletin (SB) SB–328–55–557 and SB–328J–55–324 to provide instructions for inspection of the affected area, replacement of the parts, and modification to improve corrosion behaviour by incorporating of glass fibre layer. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-time inspection [detailed visual inspection and an eddy current inspection for chafing and corrosion] of the horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports, and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s) [replacement of the affected horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports]. This [EASA] AD also requires a modification of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar, irrespective of findings. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https:// Examining the AD Docket 14 CFR Part 39 VerDate Sep<11>2014 the horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports, replacement of the affected horizontal stabilizer rear bearing supports if necessary, and modification of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 23, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 328 Support Services GmbH, Global Support Center, P.O. Box 1252, D–82231 Wessling, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone +49 8153 88111 6666; fax +49 8153 88111 6565; email gsc.op@ 328support.de; internet https:// www.328support.de. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. 26389 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0503; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the regulatory 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3228. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\07JNP1.SGM 07JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 110 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26387-26389]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12227]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0517; Product Identifier 2017-SW-098-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 
117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require 
altering and re-identifying the overhead panel shock mount assembly 
(shock mount). This proposed AD is prompted by the manufacturer's 
stress recalculations. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to 
correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 6, 2018.

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-2018-
0517; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 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 Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017-0026, dated February 14, 
2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-
BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK117 C-2e, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK117 D-2m 
helicopters. EASA advises that a recent stress calculation identified 
that the shock mount may not withstand certification crash loads. EASA 
states that this condition, if not corrected, could lead to the 
overhead panel disconnecting during an emergency landing and injuring 
occupants. Accordingly, the EASA AD requires modifying and re-
identifying the shock mounts.

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 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

[[Page 26388]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-
BK117 C-2-24A-015 for Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters and ASB MBB-BK117 
D-2-24A-004 for Model MBB-BK117 D[hyphen]2 helicopters, both Revision 0 
and dated September 14, 2016. This service information contains 
procedures for altering the shock mounts by installing retaining plates 
and re-identifying the shock mounts by changing the last three digits 
of the part number (P/N) to -966.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require installing a retaining plate on the 
shock mount and re-identifying the shock mount by changing the last 
three digits of the P/N to -966.
    This proposed AD would also prohibit installing shock mount P/N 
B246M2035102 and P/N B246M2036101 on any helicopter.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters, whereas 
this proposed AD would not since the Model MBB-BK117 D-2m is not FAA 
type-certificated. This proposed AD would also not include the Model 
MBB-BK117 C-2(e) in the applicability section because it is a marketing 
designation and not an FAA type-certificated model. However, this 
proposed AD would apply to those helicopters, as they are Model MBB-
BK117 C-2 helicopters. The EASA AD specifies particular helicopter 
serial numbers (S/Ns) that may not be required to complete some of the 
requirements of the AD since the specified S/Ns were manufactured with 
shock mounts not affected by the unsafe condition. This proposed AD 
does not specify particular S/Ns.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 144 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per 
work-hour.
    Installing retaining plates and re-identifying the four shock 
mounts would take about 3 work-hours and parts would cost about $184 
for a total estimated cost of $439 per helicopter and $63,216 for the 
U.S. fleet.
    According to Airbus Helicopter's service information, some of the 
costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby 
reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control 
warranty coverage by Airbus. Accordingly, we have included all costs in 
our cost estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2018-0517; 
Product Identifier 2017-SW-098-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with an overhead panel 
shock mount assembly part number (P/N) B246M2035102 or P/N 
B246M2036101 installed.
    Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: Helicopters with an MBB-
BK117 C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an overhead 
panel shock mount assembly (shock mount). This condition could 
result in detachment of the overhead panel and injury to occupants 
during an emergency landing.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 6, 2018.

(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 300 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Install a retaining plate on each shock mount by following 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.2.1. through 
3.B.2.4, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-
BK117 C-2-24A-015, Revision 0, dated September 14, 2016 (ASB MBB-
BK117 C-2-24A-015), or ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-24A-004, Revision 0, dated 
September 14, 2016 (ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-24A-004), as applicable to 
your model helicopter.
    (ii) Re-identify shock mount P/N B246M2035102 as P/N 
B246M2035966 and shock mount P/N B246M2036101 as P/N B246M2036966 
using permanent ink. When the ink is dry, apply varnish over the P/
N.
    (iii) Re-install each shock mount.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a shock 
mount P/N B246M2035102 or P/N B246M2036101 on any helicopter.

[[Page 26389]]

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
    (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. 2017-0026, dated February 14, 2017. You may 
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in 
the AD Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2400, Electrical 
Power System.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 31, 2018.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-12227 Filed 6-6-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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