Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Helicopters, 45580-45582 [2018-19435]
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45580
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:
Docket No. FAA–2017–1085; Product
Identifier 2016–SW–094–AD.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
We must receive comments by November
9, 2018.
Federal Aviation Administration
(d) Compliance
14 CFR Part 39
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 (TIS) and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
TIS, clean and visually inspect the T/R
gearbox housing for a crack in the area
depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117–
30A–119, Revision 0, dated May 24, 2016, or
ASB MBB–BK117 C–2–65A–007, Revision 0,
dated May 24, 2016, as applicable to your
model helicopter. If there is a crack, replace
the T/R gearbox before further flight.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) 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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
david.hatfield@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.
(h) Additional Information
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
(c) Comments Due Date
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2016–0134, dated July 8, 2016. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 A–
1, MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4,
MBB–BK 117 B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2, MBB–
BK 117 C–1, and MBB–BK 117 C–2
helicopters, certificated in any category.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 27,
2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in a tail rotor (T/R) gearbox housing.
This condition could result in the loss of the
T/R gearbox and subsequent loss of
helicopter control.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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[FR Doc. 2018–19436 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am]
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[Docket No. FAA–2017–1125; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–078–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD
Helicopters Inc. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for MD
Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N
helicopters. This proposed AD would
require establishing a life limit for the
main rotor (M/R) blade upper control
collective/longitudinal link assembly
(link assembly). This proposed AD is
prompted by the discovery that the life
limit was omitted from the maintenance
manual. The actions of this proposed
AD are intended to prevent an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 9, 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.
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–2017–
1125; or in person at the Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
proposed AD, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
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 MD
E:\FR\FM\10SEP1.SGM
10SEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer
Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell
Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215–
9734; telephone 1–800–388–3378; fax
480–346–6813; or at https://
www.mdhelicopters.com. 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:
Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer
(Structures), Airframe Section, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California
90712; telephone 562–627–5324; email
galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
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.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Discussion
We propose to adopt a new AD for
MDHI Model 600N helicopters with a
yaw stability augmentation system and
with a link assembly part number (P/N)
600N7617–1 installed. This proposed
AD would require establishing a life
limit of 15,000 hours time-in-service
(TIS) for the link assembly.
This proposed AD is prompted by a
report from MDHI that during a review
of the Airworthiness Limitations section
of the applicable maintenance manual,
MDHI discovered that it did not include
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:20 Sep 07, 2018
Jkt 244001
a life limit for link assemblies installed
on MDHI Model 600N helicopters with
a yaw stability augmentation system.
Link assembly P/N 600N7617–1, which
is made of aluminum, is a life-limited
part with a life limit of 15,000 hours
TIS. MDHI subsequently revised the
Airworthiness Limitations section of the
maintenance manual to include the life
limit. The proposed actions are
intended to prevent a link assembly
remaining in service beyond its life
limit, which could result in fatigue
failure, loss of M/R blade pitch control,
and subsequent loss of helicopter
control.
Related Service Information
We reviewed MDHI CSP–HMI–2
MDHI Maintenance Manual, Chapter 04,
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 47,
dated September 30, 2016. This service
information specifies a 15,000-hour TIS
life limit for link assembly P/N
600N7617–1 for helicopters with a yaw
stability augmentation system.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of
these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
creating a component history card or
equivalent record for each affected link
assembly, if one does not exist, and
recording a life limit of 15,000 hours
TIS. This proposed AD would also
require determining the hours TIS of the
link assembly and replacing each link
assembly that has reached or exceeded
its life limit.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 26 helicopters of U.S.
Registry and that labor costs average $85
a work-hour. Based on these estimates,
we expect it would take 30 minutes to
determine the hours TIS of each link
assembly and update the aircraft records
for a cost of $85 per helicopter and
$2,210 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing a
link assembly, if needed, would require
2 work-hours, and parts would cost
$984 for a cost of $1,154 per link 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
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
45581
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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45582
§ 39.13
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
MD Helicopters Inc.: Product No. FAA–
2017–1125; Product Identifier 2017–SW–
078–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc.
(MDHI) Model 600N helicopters, certificated
in any category, with a yaw stability
augmentation system and with a main rotor
(M/R) blade upper control collective/
longitudinal link assembly (link assembly)
part number (P/N) 600N7617–1 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
link assembly remaining in service beyond
its fatigue life. This condition could result in
failure of the link assembly, failure of M/R
blade pitch control, and subsequent loss of
helicopter control.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6710, Main Rotor Control.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 27,
2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–19435 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November
9, 2018.
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
(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.
Rescission of Guides for the Nursery
Industry
(e) Required Actions
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):
(1) Determine the total hours time-inservice (TIS) of each link assembly P/N
600N7617–1. If the hours TIS are unknown,
use the hours TIS of the helicopter. Remove
from service any link assembly that has
15,000 or more hours TIS. Thereafter, remove
from service any link assembly before
accumulating 15,000 hours TIS.
(2) Create a component history card or
equivalent record for each link assembly P/
N 600N7617–1 and record a life limit of
15,000 hours TIS.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Customer Support Division, 4555 E.
McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ
85215–9734; telephone 1–800–388–3378; fax
480–346–6813; or at https://
www.mdhelicopters.com. You may review a
copy of information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
TX 76177.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send
your proposal to: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace
Engineer (Structures), Airframe Section, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California
90712; telephone 562–627–5324; email
galib.abumeri@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.
(h) Additional Information
For service information identified in this
AD, contact MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn:
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16:20 Sep 07, 2018
Jkt 244001
16 CFR Part 18
Federal Trade Commission.
Proposed rule; rescission of
Guides and removal of Guides from the
CFR.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Federal Trade
Commission (‘‘FTC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’),
following its initial review of the Guides
for the Nursery Industry (‘‘Nursery
Guides’’ or ‘‘Guides’’), proposes to
rescind the Guides and remove them
from the Code of Federal Regulations.
DATES: Written comments must be
received on or before November 5, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Interested parties may file a
comment online or on paper, by
following the instructions in the
Request for Comment part of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
below. Write ‘‘Nursery Guides (Matter
No. P994248)’’ on your comment, and
file your comment online at https://
ftcpublic.commentworks.com/ftc/
nurseryguides, by following the
instructions on the web-based form. If
you prefer to file your comment on
paper, mail your comment to the
following address: Federal Trade
Commission, Office of the Secretary,
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite
CC–5610 (Annex A), Washington, DC
20580, or deliver your comment to the
following address: Federal Trade
Commission, Office of the Secretary,
Constitution Center, 400 7th Street SW,
5th Floor, Suite 5610, Washington, DC
20024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Hampton Newsome, (202) 326–2889,
SUMMARY:
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Attorney, Division of Enforcement,
Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal
Trade Commission, Room CC–9541, 600
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20580.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Commission issued the Guides
for the Nursery Industry in 1979.1 These
Guides address various sales claims for
outdoor plants, including
representations regarding quantity, size,
grade, kind, species, age, maturity,
condition, vigor, hardiness, growth
ability, price, and origin or place where
grown. The Commission amended the
Guides in 1994 to update legal
terminology, and again in 2007 to make
a technical correction.2
The Commission reviews its rules and
guides periodically to seek information
about their costs and benefits to
consumers and businesses, regulatory
and economic impact, and general
effectiveness in protecting consumers
and helping industry avoid deceptive
claims. These reviews assist the
Commission in identifying rules and
guides that may warrant modification or
rescission.
On February 22, 2018, the
Commission initiated its scheduled
regulatory review of the Guides and
solicited public comment on several
issues.3 Specifically, the Commission
sought input on, among other things, the
continuing need for the Guides; their
economic impact; possible conflict
between the Guides and state, local,
federal, or international laws; and the
effect of any technological, economic,
environmental, or other industry
changes. The Commission also solicited
comment on issues specific to the
Guides, such as whether the
Commission should update plant name
classification references. The
Commission received one comment,
discussed below.
1 The Commission issued the Guides in 1979 (44
FR 11176 (Feb. 27, 1979)) to replace trade practice
rules for the nursery industry (16 CFR part 34) first
promulgated in the 1950’s (23 FR 4803 (June 28,
1958)). The Guides help marketers avoid making
claims that are unfair or deceptive under Section 5
of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45. Industry guides, such
as the Nursery Guides, are administrative
interpretations of laws administered by the
Commission. They do not have the force of law and
are not independently enforceable. Failure to follow
industry guides may result, however, in
enforcement action under the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C.
45. In any such action, the Commission must prove
that the act or practice at issue is unfair or deceptive
in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act.
2 See 59 FR 64546 (Dec. 14, 1994); 72 FR 901 (Jan.
9, 2007).
3 See 83 FR 7643 (Feb. 22, 2018).
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45580-45582]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19435]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-1125; Product Identifier 2017-SW-078-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD
Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters. This proposed AD would
require establishing a life limit for the main rotor (M/R) blade upper
control collective/longitudinal link assembly (link assembly). This
proposed AD is prompted by the discovery that the life limit was
omitted from the maintenance manual. The actions of this proposed AD
are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 9,
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-2017-
1125; or in person at the Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the 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
MD
[[Page 45581]]
Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell
Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-800-388-3378; fax
480-346-6813; or at https://www.mdhelicopters.com. 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: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer
(Structures), Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California
90712; telephone 562-627-5324; 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
We propose to adopt a new AD for MDHI Model 600N helicopters with a
yaw stability augmentation system and with a link assembly part number
(P/N) 600N7617-1 installed. This proposed AD would require establishing
a life limit of 15,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) for the link
assembly.
This proposed AD is prompted by a report from MDHI that during a
review of the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable
maintenance manual, MDHI discovered that it did not include a life
limit for link assemblies installed on MDHI Model 600N helicopters with
a yaw stability augmentation system. Link assembly P/N 600N7617-1,
which is made of aluminum, is a life-limited part with a life limit of
15,000 hours TIS. MDHI subsequently revised the Airworthiness
Limitations section of the maintenance manual to include the life
limit. The proposed actions are intended to prevent a link assembly
remaining in service beyond its life limit, which could result in
fatigue failure, loss of M/R blade pitch control, and subsequent loss
of helicopter control.
Related Service Information
We reviewed MDHI CSP-HMI-2 MDHI Maintenance Manual, Chapter 04,
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 47, dated September 30, 2016. This
service information specifies a 15,000-hour TIS life limit for link
assembly P/N 600N7617-1 for helicopters with a yaw stability
augmentation system.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require creating a component history card or
equivalent record for each affected link assembly, if one does not
exist, and recording a life limit of 15,000 hours TIS. This proposed AD
would also require determining the hours TIS of the link assembly and
replacing each link assembly that has reached or exceeded its life
limit.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 26 helicopters of
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on
these estimates, we expect it would take 30 minutes to determine the
hours TIS of each link assembly and update the aircraft records for a
cost of $85 per helicopter and $2,210 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing a
link assembly, if needed, would require 2 work-hours, and parts would
cost $984 for a cost of $1,154 per link 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 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.
[[Page 45582]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
MD Helicopters Inc.: Product No. FAA-2017-1125; Product Identifier
2017-SW-078-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a yaw stability
augmentation system and with a main rotor (M/R) blade upper control
collective/longitudinal link assembly (link assembly) part number
(P/N) 600N7617-1 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a link assembly
remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could
result in failure of the link assembly, failure of M/R blade pitch
control, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 9, 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
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):
(1) Determine the total hours time-in-service (TIS) of each link
assembly P/N 600N7617-1. If the hours TIS are unknown, use the hours
TIS of the helicopter. Remove from service any link assembly that
has 15,000 or more hours TIS. Thereafter, remove from service any
link assembly before accumulating 15,000 hours TIS.
(2) Create a component history card or equivalent record for
each link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 and record a life limit of 15,000
hours TIS.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace
Engineer (Structures), Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd.,
Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 562-627-5324; 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.
(h) Additional Information
For service information identified in this AD, contact MD
Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell
Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-800-388-3378;
fax 480-346-6813; or at https://www.mdhelicopters.com. You may review
a copy of information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor
Control.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 27, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19435 Filed 9-7-18; 8:45 am]
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