Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 49791-49793 [2018-21342]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection
program has been revised as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be
used unless the actions or intervals are
approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD.
(i) Terminating Actions for Other ADs
(1) Accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2017–09–03.
(2) Accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2010–26–05 and AD
2012–02–18 for the Dassault Aviation Model
MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes specified in
those ADs.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
Dassault Aviation’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2018–0026, dated
January 30, 2018, for related information.
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2018–0394.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
231–3226.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:40 Oct 02, 2018
Jkt 247001
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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Chapter 5–40, Airworthiness
Limitations, DGT 113872, Revision 24, dated
July 2017, of the Dassault Falcon 50/50EX
Maintenance Manual.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Dassault Falcon Jet
Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box
2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606;
telephone 201–440–6700; internet https://
www.dassaultfalcon.com.
(4) 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.
(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 Des Moines, Washington, on
September 21, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–21343 Filed 10–2–18; 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; Amendment
39–19443; AD 2018–20–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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of certain documents listed in this AD
as of November 7, 2018.
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.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. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0517.
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 AD, the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, any incorporated-byreference service information, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations
(phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR 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:
Discussion
We are adopting 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
AD requires altering and re-identifying
the overhead panel shock mount
assembly (shock mount). This AD was
prompted by the manufacturer’s stress
recalculations. The actions of this AD
are intended to correct an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 7,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
SUMMARY:
49791
On June 7, 2018, at 83 FR 26387, the
Federal Register published our notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
adding an AD that would apply to
Airbus Helicopters Model MBB–BK 117
C–2 and Model MBB–BK 117 D–2
helicopters with an overhead panel
shock mount assembly part number
(P/N) B246M2035102 or P/N
B246M2036101 installed. The NPRM
proposed to 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. The NPRM also proposed
prohibiting the installation of shock
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03OCR1
49792
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
mount P/N B246M2035102 and P/N
B246M2036101 on any helicopter. The
proposed requirements were intended to
prevent failure of a shock mount, which
could result in detachment of the
overhead panel and injury to occupants
during an emergency landing.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2017–0026, dated February 14, 2017,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters Model
MBB–BK 117 C–2, 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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we did not receive any comments on the
NPRM.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of Germany
and are approved for operation in the
United States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with Germany, EASA, its
technical representative, has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
because we evaluated all information
provided by EASA and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model
MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters, whereas
this AD does not since the Model MBB–
BK117 D–2m is not FAA typecertificated. This AD also does 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
AD applies 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:40 Oct 02, 2018
Jkt 247001
shock mounts not affected by the unsafe
condition. This AD does not specify
particular S/Ns.
helicopters identified in this rulemaking
action.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
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.
Airbus Helicopters has issued 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 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 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 takes
about 3 work-hours and parts 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 AD may be covered under warranty,
thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. We do not control
warranty coverage by Airbus
Helicopters. 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
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Regulatory Findings
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2018–20–09 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39–
19443; 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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(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) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective November 7,
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.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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(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 Docket No.
FAA–2018–0517.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2400, Electrical Power System.
16:40 Oct 02, 2018
Jkt 247001
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September
24, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–21342 Filed 10–2–18; 8:45 am]
(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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(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 (ASB) MBB–BK117 C–2–24A–015,
Revision 0, dated September 14, 2016.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB MBB–BK117
D–2–24A–004, Revision 0, dated September
14, 2016.
(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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/
Technical-Support_73.html.
(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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0497; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–140–AD; Amendment
39–19418; AD 2018–19–18]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus SAS Model A300 B4–603, B4–
620, and B4–622 airplanes; Model A300
B4–600R series airplanes; Model A300
C4–605R Variant F airplanes; and Model
A300 F4–605R airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of cracking on a
SUMMARY:
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Fmt 4700
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49793
certain frame (FR) angle fitting. This AD
requires, depending on airplane
configuration, a modification of certain
angle fitting attachment holes; repetitive
inspections for cracking of certain holes
of the internal lower angle fitting web,
certain holes of the internal lower angle
fitting horizontal splicing, the aft bottom
panel, and a certain junction area; and
related investigative and corrective
actions if necessary. We are issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 7,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of November 7, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of December 19, 2005 (70 FR
69056, November 14, 2005).
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—
EAW, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No:
2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 44 51; email account.airwortheas@airbus.com; internet https://
www.airbus.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.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0497.
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–
0497; 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 final rule,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3225.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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03OCR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 3, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49791-49793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21342]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0517; Product Identifier 2017-SW-098-AD; Amendment
39-19443; AD 2018-20-09]
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-BK 117 C-2
and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD requires altering and re-
identifying the overhead panel shock mount assembly (shock mount). This
AD was prompted by the manufacturer's stress recalculations. The
actions of this AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 7, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of November 7,
2018.
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.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. It is also available
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0517.
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 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
Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR 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:
Discussion
On June 7, 2018, at 83 FR 26387, the Federal Register published our
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters Model
MBB-BK 117 C-2 and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters with an overhead
panel shock mount assembly part number (P/N) B246M2035102 or P/N
B246M2036101 installed. The NPRM proposed to 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. The NPRM also
proposed prohibiting the installation of shock
[[Page 49792]]
mount P/N B246M2035102 and P/N B246M2036101 on any helicopter. The
proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a shock
mount, which could result in detachment of the overhead panel and
injury to occupants during an emergency landing.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2017-0026, dated February 14, 2017,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 C-2, 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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same
type designs and that air safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters, whereas
this AD does not since the Model MBB-BK117 D-2m is not FAA type-
certificated. This AD also does 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 AD applies 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 AD does not specify particular S/Ns.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has issued 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
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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 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 takes about 3 work-hours and parts 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 AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty
coverage by Airbus Helicopters. 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 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):
2018-20-09 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-19443;
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.
[[Page 49793]]
(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) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective November 7, 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.
(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
Docket No. FAA-2018-0517.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2400, Electrical
Power System.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB-BK117 C-
2-24A-015, Revision 0, dated September 14, 2016.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-24A-004, Revision 0,
dated September 14, 2016.
(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.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html.
(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 September 24, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21342 Filed 10-2-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
