Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Helicopters, 60376-60378 [2018-25497]
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60376
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 227 / Monday, November 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules
(h) Functional Check
Within 1,500 flight hours or 12 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, accomplish a functional check of
the fuel indicator gauging accuracy and the
low level warning, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Saab Service
Bulletin 2000–28–028, dated April 19, 2018.
(i) Corrective Action
If the functional check required by
paragraph (h) of this AD is found to be out
of tolerance, within the limits and under the
applicable conditions, as specified in the
operator’s Minimum Equipment List, replace
the affected part with a serviceable part, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Saab Service Bulletin 2000–
28–028, dated April 19, 2018.
SE–581 88, Linko¨ping, Sweden; telephone
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com;
internet https://www.saabgroup.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
November 8, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–25495 Filed 11–23–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, an
affected part, unless it is a serviceable part,
as defined in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(k) 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 (l)(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
Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0991; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–050–AD]
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2018–0187, dated
August 29, 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–2018–0964.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206–231–3220.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:28 Nov 23, 2018
Jkt 247001
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD
Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for MDHI
Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H,
369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N
helicopters. This proposed AD would
require inspecting each main rotor blade
(MRB) for a crack. This proposed AD is
prompted by reports of cracked MRBs.
The actions of this proposed AD are
intended to address an unsafe condition
on these helicopters.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 25, 2019.
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://
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Sfmt 4702
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0991; 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 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 Helicopter Technology Company,
LLC service information identified in
this proposed rule, contact Helicopter
Technology Company, LLC, 12902
South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
90061; telephone (310) 523–2750; or at
www.helicoptertech.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 MD Helicopters service
information identified in this proposed
rule, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd.,
Lakewood, California 90712; telephone
(562) 627–5374; 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 227 / Monday, November 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules
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 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF,
369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N,
and 600N helicopters with a Helicopter
Technology Company, LLC (HTC) MRB
part number 369A1100, 369D21100,
369D21102, 369D21120, 369D21121,
369D21123, 500P2100, or 500P2300
installed. This proposed AD would
require repetitively inspecting the MRB
trim tab for gouges, nicks, scratches, and
cracks.
This proposed AD is prompted by
reports of two operators finding cracks
on an HTC-manufactured MRB. In both
cases, the cracking was located on the
MRB skin adjacent to the trim tab, and
they were discovered following flights
in which an increase in vibration levels
was noticed. HTC determined the root
cause of the cracking to be fatigue. HTC
also stated that there was evidence of
impact damage, filing, and sanding
under the paint of the cracked MRBs. If
not detected and corrected, this
condition could result in failure of an
MRB and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
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 helicopters of
these same type designs.
Related Service Information
We reviewed HTC Mandatory Service
Bulletin Notice No. 2100–9, dated May
25, 2017 (SB 2100–9), which contains
procedures for inspecting each MRB for
a crack in an area adjacent to the
inboard edge of the MRB trim tab.
We also reviewed MD Helicopters
Service Bulletin No. SB369D–221,
SB369E–119, SB369F–106, SB369H–
257, SB500N–057, and SB600N–069,
each dated April 2, 2018. This service
information specifies inspecting the
MRBs for cracks near the trim tab by
following the instructions in SB
2100–9.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require,
within 25 hours time-in-service and
thereafter at each 100-hour or annual
inspection, inspecting each MRB trim
tab end at the trailing edge corner where
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:28 Nov 23, 2018
Jkt 247001
the trim tab and MRB meet for cracks,
and inspecting the top and bottom
surface of each MRB for a crack in the
area adjacent to inboard trim tab the
trim tab corner for a crack, from the
trailing edge towards the leading edge.
If there is a crack, this proposed AD
would require replacing the MRB.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
The service information specifies
procedures for inspecting each MRB for
nicks, gouges, and scratches. This
proposed AD does not, as the unsafe
condition concerns a crack in the MRB.
This proposed AD would require using
a 10X magnifying glass for both
inspections, while the service
information only specifies this level of
magnification for the inspection of the
top and bottom surfaces of the MRB.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 622 helicopters of U.S.
Registry.
At an average labor rate of $85 per
work-hour, we estimate that operators
may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this AD. Inspecting one
MRB would require about 0.1 workhour, for a cost per helicopter of $43 for
MDHI Model 369-series and 500N
helicopters and $51 for MDHI Model
600N helicopters, and a total cost of
$25,320 to U.S. operators per inspection
cycle.
If required, replacing one MRB would
require 3 work-hours, and required parts
would cost $13,000, for a cost per MRB
of $13,255.
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.
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60377
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
MD Helicopters Inc.: Docket No. FAA–
2018–0991; Product Identifier 2017–SW–
050–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc.
Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H,
369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
a main rotor blade (MRB) part number
369A1100, 369D21100, 369D21102,
369D21120, 369D21121, 369D21123,
500P2100, or 500P2300, all dash numbers,
installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in an MRB. This condition could result
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26NOP1
60378
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 227 / Monday, November 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules
in failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 25,
2019.
(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 25 hours time-in-service, and
thereafter at each 100-hour inspection or
annual inspection, whichever occurs first:
(1) Using a 10X or higher power
magnifying glass and a light, inspect each
MRB trim tab end at the trailing edge corner
where the trim tab and MRB meet for a crack.
If there is a crack, before further flight,
replace the MRB.
(2) Using a 10X or higher power
magnifying glass and a light, inspect the top
and bottom surface of each MRB adjacent to
the inboard trim tab corner for a crack, from
the trailing edge towards the leading edge. If
there is a crack, before further flight, replace
the MRB.
(f) 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, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
Compliance and Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood,
California 90712; telephone (562) 627–5374;
email 9-ANM-LAACO-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
(1) Helicopter Technology Company, LLC
Mandatory Service Bulletin Notice No. 2100–
9, dated May 25, 2017, which is not
incorporated by reference, contains
additional information about the subject of
this AD. For Helicopter Technology
Company, LLC service information identified
in this AD, contact Helicopter Technology
Company, LLC, 12902 South Broadway, Los
Angeles, CA 90061; telephone (310) 523–
2750; or at www.helicoptertech.com.
(2) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin No.
SB369D–221, SB369E–119, SB369F–106,
SB369H–257, SB500N–057, and SB600N–
069, each dated April 2, 2018, which are not
incorporated by reference, contain additional
information about the subject of this AD. For
MD Helicopters 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:28 Nov 23, 2018
Jkt 247001
(3) 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.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6210 Main Rotor Blade.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November
14, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–25497 Filed 11–23–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0256; Airspace
Docket No. 18–AEA–11]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment of Class D
Airspace and Class E Airspace;
Schenectady, NY, Ithaca, NY, and
Albany, NY
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend Class D airspace, Class E
airspace designated as an extension to a
Class D surface area, and Class E
airspace extending upward from 700
feet or more above the surface at
Schenectady County Airport,
Schenectady, NY, and Albany, NY by
updating the geographic coordinates of
this airport, Saratoga County Airport,
Hunter NDB, and Cambridge VORTAC.
Controlled airspace is necessary for the
safety and management of instrument
flight rules (IFR) operations at this
airport. This action also would replace
the outdated term Airport/Facility
Directory with the term Chart
Supplement in the legal descriptions of
associated Class D and E airspace of
Schenectady County Airport,
Schenectady, NY, and Ithaca Tompkins
Regional Airport, Ithaca, NY.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before January 10, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; Telephone:
(800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You
must identify the Docket No.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
FAA–2018–0256; Airspace Docket No.
18–AEA–11, at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
FAA Order 7400.11C, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
on line at https://www.faa.gov/air_
traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11C at NARA, call (202)
741–6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Fornito, Operations Support Group,
Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation
Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave,
College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404)
305–6364.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
amend Class D and Class E airspace at
Schenectady County Airport,
Schenectady, NY and Ithaca Tompkins
Regional Airport, Ithaca, NY, to support
IFR operations at these airports.
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to
comment on this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
E:\FR\FM\26NOP1.SGM
26NOP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 227 (Monday, November 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60376-60378]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25497]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0991; Product Identifier 2017-SW-050-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
MDHI Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N,
and 600N helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting each
main rotor blade (MRB) for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by
reports of cracked MRBs. The actions of this proposed AD are intended
to address an unsafe condition on these helicopters.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 25,
2019.
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-
0991; 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 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 Helicopter Technology Company, LLC service information
identified in this proposed rule, contact Helicopter Technology
Company, LLC, 12902 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone
(310) 523-2750; or at www.helicoptertech.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 MD Helicopters service information identified in this proposed
rule, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712;
telephone (562) 627-5374; 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
[[Page 60377]]
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 369A, 369D, 369E,
369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters with a
Helicopter Technology Company, LLC (HTC) MRB part number 369A1100,
369D21100, 369D21102, 369D21120, 369D21121, 369D21123, 500P2100, or
500P2300 installed. This proposed AD would require repetitively
inspecting the MRB trim tab for gouges, nicks, scratches, and cracks.
This proposed AD is prompted by reports of two operators finding
cracks on an HTC-manufactured MRB. In both cases, the cracking was
located on the MRB skin adjacent to the trim tab, and they were
discovered following flights in which an increase in vibration levels
was noticed. HTC determined the root cause of the cracking to be
fatigue. HTC also stated that there was evidence of impact damage,
filing, and sanding under the paint of the cracked MRBs. If not
detected and corrected, this condition could result in failure of an
MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
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 helicopters of these same type
designs.
Related Service Information
We reviewed HTC Mandatory Service Bulletin Notice No. 2100-9, dated
May 25, 2017 (SB 2100-9), which contains procedures for inspecting each
MRB for a crack in an area adjacent to the inboard edge of the MRB trim
tab.
We also reviewed MD Helicopters Service Bulletin No. SB369D-221,
SB369E-119, SB369F-106, SB369H-257, SB500N-057, and SB600N-069, each
dated April 2, 2018. This service information specifies inspecting the
MRBs for cracks near the trim tab by following the instructions in SB
2100-9.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require, within 25 hours time-in-service and
thereafter at each 100-hour or annual inspection, inspecting each MRB
trim tab end at the trailing edge corner where the trim tab and MRB
meet for cracks, and inspecting the top and bottom surface of each MRB
for a crack in the area adjacent to inboard trim tab the trim tab
corner for a crack, from the trailing edge towards the leading edge. If
there is a crack, this proposed AD would require replacing the MRB.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The service information specifies procedures for inspecting each
MRB for nicks, gouges, and scratches. This proposed AD does not, as the
unsafe condition concerns a crack in the MRB. This proposed AD would
require using a 10X magnifying glass for both inspections, while the
service information only specifies this level of magnification for the
inspection of the top and bottom surfaces of the MRB.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 622 helicopters of
U.S. Registry.
At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we estimate that
operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this
AD. Inspecting one MRB would require about 0.1 work-hour, for a cost
per helicopter of $43 for MDHI Model 369-series and 500N helicopters
and $51 for MDHI Model 600N helicopters, and a total cost of $25,320 to
U.S. operators per inspection cycle.
If required, replacing one MRB would require 3 work-hours, and
required parts would cost $13,000, for a cost per MRB of $13,255.
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):
MD Helicopters Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0991; Product Identifier
2017-SW-050-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc. Model 369A, 369D, 369E,
369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters,
certificated in any category, with a main rotor blade (MRB) part
number 369A1100, 369D21100, 369D21102, 369D21120, 369D21121,
369D21123, 500P2100, or 500P2300, all dash numbers, installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in an MRB. This
condition could result
[[Page 60378]]
in failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 25, 2019.
(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 25 hours time-in-service, and thereafter at each 100-hour
inspection or annual inspection, whichever occurs first:
(1) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass and a light,
inspect each MRB trim tab end at the trailing edge corner where the
trim tab and MRB meet for a crack. If there is a crack, before
further flight, replace the MRB.
(2) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass and a light,
inspect the top and bottom surface of each MRB adjacent to the
inboard trim tab corner for a crack, from the trailing edge towards
the leading edge. If there is a crack, before further flight,
replace the MRB.
(f) 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, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712;
telephone (562) 627-5374; 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
(1) Helicopter Technology Company, LLC Mandatory Service
Bulletin Notice No. 2100-9, dated May 25, 2017, which is not
incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the
subject of this AD. For Helicopter Technology Company, LLC service
information identified in this AD, contact Helicopter Technology
Company, LLC, 12902 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone
(310) 523-2750; or at www.helicoptertech.com.
(2) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin No. SB369D-221, SB369E-119,
SB369F-106, SB369H-257, SB500N-057, and SB600N-069, each dated April
2, 2018, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional
information about the subject of this AD. For MD Helicopters 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.
(3) 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.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210 Main Rotor
Blade.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 14, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-25497 Filed 11-23-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
