Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Helicopters, 8959-8961 [2019-04528]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations 111(e)(2) of the Dodd-Frank Act, which authorizes the Council to adopt such rules as may be necessary for the conduct of the business of the Council, and states that such rules shall be rules of agency organization, procedure, or practice for purposes of section 553 of title 5, United States Code. This new section is a rule of agency procedure, and is therefore not subject to the requirement to provide public notice and an opportunity to comment under the Administrative Procedure Act.1 As a result, the Council is adopting it in final form. Because no notice of proposed rulemaking is required, the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. Contemporaneous with the publication of this final rule, the Council is separately publishing proposed interpretive guidance that would replace the 2012 Interpretive Guidance. That proposal includes a request for public comment. Dated: March 6, 2019. Bimal Patel, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Financial Stability Oversight Council, Department of the Treasury. II. Amendment to 12 CFR Part 1310 SUMMARY: In order to promote the Council’s engagement with market participants and other interested parties, the Council is adding a new section to the rules referenced above, stating that the Council shall not amend or rescind the interpretive guidance set forth in appendix A to the rules without providing the public with notice and an opportunity to comment under the Administrative Procedure Act. ADDRESSES: List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 1310 Brokers, Investments, Securities. In accordance with the foregoing, the Council amends 12 CFR part 1310 as follows: PART 1310—AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OF CERTAIN NONBANK FINANCIAL COMPANIES 1. The authority citation for part 1310 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 12 U.S.C. 5321; 12 U.S.C. 5322; 12 U.S.C. 5323. ■ 2. Add § 1310.3 to read as follows: amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES § 1310.3 Amendments. The Council shall not amend or rescind appendix A to this part without providing the public with notice and an opportunity to comment in accordance with the procedures applicable to legislative rules under 5 U.S.C. 553. 1 See 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A). VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:11 Mar 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 [FR Doc. 2019–04487 Filed 3–12–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–25–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0991; Product Identifier 2017–SW–050–AD; Amendment 39–19586; AD 2019–05–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MDHI Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each main rotor blade (MRB) for a crack. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked MRBs. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these helicopters. DATES: This AD is effective April 17, 2019. For Helicopter Technology Company, LLC, service information identified in this final rule, contact Helicopter Technology Company, LLC, 12902 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone (310) 523–2750; or at www.helicoptertech.com. For MD Helicopters service information identified in this final 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. You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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 AD, the PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 8959 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: Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627–5374; email galib.abumeri@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On November 26, 2018, at 83 FR 60376, 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 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. The NPRM was prompted by reports of two operators finding cracks on an HTC-manufactured MRB and proposed to require repetitively inspecting each MRB trim tab for a crack. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of an MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. In the ‘‘Costs of Compliance’’ section, the NPRM stated an incorrect number of U.S.-registered helicopters affected by this AD and subsequently, an incorrect estimated cost of the inspection for the U.S. fleet. We have corrected the cost information in this Final rule. 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 We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Related Service Information We reviewed HTC Mandatory Service Bulletin Notice No. 2100–9, dated May 25, 2017 (SB 2100–9), which contains E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 8960 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations 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. Differences Between This AD and the Service Information The service information specifies procedures for inspecting each MRB for nicks, gouges, and scratches. This AD does not, as the unsafe condition concerns a crack in the MRB. amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 730 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. Inspecting one MRB requires about 0.1 work-hour, for an estimated cost per helicopter of $43 for the 705 MDHI Model 369-series and 500N helicopters (5 MRBs), $51 for the 25 MDHI Model 600N helicopters (6 MRBs), and a total estimated cost of $31,590 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. If required, replacing one MRB requires about 3 work-hours and parts cost about $13,000 for a total estimated cost of $13,255 per MRB. 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 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:11 Mar 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 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, 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 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): ■ 2019–05–04 MD Helicopters, Inc.: Amendment 39–19586; 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 in failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 17, 2019. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (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 (AMOCs) (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 & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627–5374; email 9-ANMLAACO-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. (3) You may review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 13, 2019 / Rules and Regulations (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor Blade. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 28, 2019. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–04528 Filed 3–12–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0336; Product Identifier 2017–SW–130–AD; Amendment 39–19588; AD 2019–05–06] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This AD requires replacing the retaining ring and inspecting the hoist cable hook assembly (hook). This AD was prompted by a report that a hook detached from the hoist cable. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective April 17, 2019. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of April 17, 2019. 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– 0336. amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:11 Mar 12, 2019 Jkt 247001 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– 0336; 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: 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On September 7, 2018 at 83 FR 45364, 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 EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require, within 90 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 180 hours TIS, replacing the retaining ring and inspecting the elastomeric energy absorber for a permanent compression set, and if necessary, replacing the elastomeric energy absorber before the next hoist operation. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent detachment of a hook from a hoist cable resulting in in-flight failure of the hoist, which could result in injury to persons being lifted. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2017–0199, dated October 11, 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 EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, EC135T3, EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters. EASA advises of a report of a hook separating from the hoist cable. According to EASA, an investigation determined that failure of PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 8961 the internal retaining ring combined with a permanent compression set of the elastomeric energy absorber caused the separation. EASA states that this condition, if not corrected, could lead to the detachment of an external load or person from the hoist, possibly resulting in personal injury or injury to persons on the ground. The EASA AD consequently requires repetitive inspections of the hook assembly and replacement of the retaining ring. EASA considers its AD an interim measure and states that further AD action may follow. 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. Interim Action We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval holder is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional rulemaking. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires corrective actions in terms of months in service. This AD requires compliance within 90 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 180 hours TIS. The EASA AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC635P2+, EC635P3, EC635T1, EC635T2+, and EC635T3 helicopters. This AD does not because these model helicopters have no FAA type certificate. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Goodrich Service Bulletin No. 44301–10–17, Revision 4, dated July 26, 2017 (SB 44301–10–17). E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 13, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8959-8961]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04528]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0991; Product Identifier 2017-SW-050-AD; Amendment 
39-19586; AD 2019-05-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MDHI 
Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 
600N helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each main rotor blade 
(MRB) for a crack. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked MRBs. The 
actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these 
helicopters.

DATES: This AD is effective April 17, 2019.

ADDRESSES: For Helicopter Technology Company, LLC, service information 
identified in this final rule, contact Helicopter Technology Company, 
LLC, 12902 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone (310) 523-
2750; or at www.helicoptertech.com. For MD Helicopters service 
information identified in this final 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. You may review a copy of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.

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 AD, 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: Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 
FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-
5374; email galib.abumeri@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On November 26, 2018, at 83 FR 60376, 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 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. The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
two operators finding cracks on an HTC-manufactured MRB and proposed to 
require repetitively inspecting each MRB trim tab for a crack. The 
proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of an MRB and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    In the ``Costs of Compliance'' section, the NPRM stated an 
incorrect number of U.S.-registered helicopters affected by this AD and 
subsequently, an incorrect estimated cost of the inspection for the 
U.S. fleet. We have corrected the cost information in this Final rule.

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

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed HTC Mandatory Service Bulletin Notice No. 2100-9, dated 
May 25, 2017 (SB 2100-9), which contains

[[Page 8960]]

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.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The service information specifies procedures for inspecting each 
MRB for nicks, gouges, and scratches. This AD does not, as the unsafe 
condition concerns a crack in the MRB.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 730 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.
    Inspecting one MRB requires about 0.1 work-hour, for an estimated 
cost per helicopter of $43 for the 705 MDHI Model 369-series and 500N 
helicopters (5 MRBs), $51 for the 25 MDHI Model 600N helicopters (6 
MRBs), and a total estimated cost of $31,590 for the U.S. fleet per 
inspection cycle.
    If required, replacing one MRB requires about 3 work-hours and 
parts cost about $13,000 for a total estimated cost of $13,255 per MRB.

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

    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, 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):

2019-05-04 MD Helicopters, Inc.: Amendment 39-19586; 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 in failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 17, 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 (AMOCs)

    (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 & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 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.
    (3) You may review a copy of this service information at the 
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

[[Page 8961]]

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor 
Blade.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 28, 2019.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-04528 Filed 3-12-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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