Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 26556-26558 [2019-11993]

Download as PDF jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with RULES 26556 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 110 / Friday, June 7, 2019 / Rules and Regulations (i) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1230, dated February 10, 2005. (ii) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1230, Revision A, dated November 6, 2009. (iii) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1230, Revision B, dated October 5, 2005. (iv) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1230, Revision C, dated November 10, 2005. (v) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1230, Revision D, dated July 19, 2006. (vi) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1230, Revision E, dated August 18, 2011. (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using the service information specified in paragraph (p)(3)(i), (p)(3)(ii), (p)(3)(iii), (p)(3)(iv), or (p)(3)(v) of this AD, provided that the maintenance or inspection program is revised by incorporating the inspection requirements at the threshold and repetitive inspection times specified in the SDIR of Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1285, Revision E, date October 31, 2016. (i) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1285, dated March 24, 2005. (ii) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1285, Revision A, dated November 6, 2009. (iii) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1285, Revision B, dated April 14, 2010. (iv) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1285, Revision C, dated August 19, 2011. (v) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1285, Revision D, dated October 31, 2011. (4) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using the service information specified in paragraph (p)(4)(i), (p)(4)(ii), (p)(4)(iii), (p)(4)(iv), (p)(4)(v), or (p)(4)(vi) of this AD, provided that the maintenance or inspection program is revised by incorporating the inspection requirements at the threshold and repetitive inspection times specified in the SDIR of Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1541, Revision F, dated November 12, 2014. (i) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1541, dated November 27, 2005. (ii) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1541, Revision A, dated February 8, 2008. (iii) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1541, Revision B, dated March 16, 2009. (iv) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1541, Revision C, dated August 19, 2011. (v) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1541, Revision D, dated October 31, 2011. (vi) Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–1541, Revision E, dated November 5, 2013. (5) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (m) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–5828, dated November 1, 2016, provided that the maintenance or inspection program is revised by incorporating the inspection requirements at the threshold and repetitive inspection times specified in the SDIR of Bombardier REO 601R–53–61–5828, Revision A, dated March 16, 2017. (q) Other FAA AD Provisions (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York ACO VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Jun 06, 2019 Jkt 247001 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 manager of the certification office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: 516–228–7300; fax: 516–794– 5531. (i) 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. (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2012–25–02 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD. (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, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier Inc.’s TCCA DAO. If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. (r) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF–2011–30R2, dated June 12, 2017, 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–2018–0794. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7329; fax 516–794–5531. (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (s)(5) and (s)(6) of this AD. (s) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise. (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on July 12, 2019. (i) Bombardier Repair Engineering Order 601R–53–61–1230, Revision F, dated October 31, 2011. (ii) Bombardier Repair Engineering Order 601R–53–61–1240, Revision D, dated October 31, 2016. (iii) Bombardier Repair Engineering Order 601R–53–61–1285, Revision E, dated October 31, 2016. (iv) Bombardier Repair Engineering Order 601R–53–61–1541, Revision F, dated November 12, 2014. PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (v) Bombardier Repair Engineering Order 601R–53–61–5828, Revision A, dated March 16, 2017. (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on January 16, 2013 (77 FR 73902, December 12, 2012). (i) Bombardier Temporary Revision 2B– 2187, dated June 22, 2011, to Appendix BAirworthiness Limitations, of Part 2 of the Bombardier CL–600–2B19 Maintenance Requirements Manual. (ii) [Reserved] (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 CoˆteVertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-free telephone 1– 866–538–1247 or direct-dial telephone 514– 855–5000; fax 514–855–7401; email ac.yul@ aero.bombardier.com; internet https:// www.bombardier.com. (6) 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. (7) 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 April 19, 2019, Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–11956 Filed 6–6–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0696; Product Identifier 2017–SW–101–AD; Amendment 39–19650; AD 2019–11–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters. This AD requires replacing the rescue hoist cable cut pushbutton flip guard (flip guard). This AD was prompted by reports of unintended lifting of several flip guards. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07JNR1.SGM 07JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 110 / Friday, June 7, 2019 / Rules and Regulations We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective July 12, 2019. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (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. jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with RULES 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– 0696; 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations 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: Clark Davenport, Flight Test Engineer, Flight Test Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: 817–222–5151; email: clark.davenport@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Helicopters Model MBB BK 117 D 2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2018 (83 FR 43559). The NPRM was prompted by reports of unintended lifting of several flip guards. The NPRM proposed to require replacing the flip guard with flip guard part number (P/N) 79553511 on the collective lever switch unit. We are issuing this AD to address unintended lifting of a flip guard. This condition could result in inadvertent cutting of the rescue hoist cable and subsequent personal injury. EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2017–0038, dated February 22, 2017 (EASA AD No. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Jun 06, 2019 Jkt 247001 2017–0038), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Helicopters Models MBB–BK 117 D–2 and MBB–BK 117 D–2m helicopters. EASA advises that multiple events were reported of unintended lifting of the flip guard and that the flip guard has two stable positions, open and closed. EASA AD No. 2017–0038 states that if the unintended lifting is not detected, the requirement for dual action when activating the rescue hoist cable cut is not guaranteed. According to EASA, this condition, if not corrected, could result in inadvertent cutting of the rescue hoist cable and subsequent personal injury. EASA further advises that Airbus Helicopters has developed an improved mono-stable (closed) flip guard, and EASA AD No. 2017–0038 requires installing the new flip guard and reidentifying the collective lever switch unit. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the European Union, EASA 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 Airbus Helicopters Model MBB–BK 117 D–2m helicopters, whereas this AD does not since these models are not type certificated in the U.S. Also, the EASA AD requires compliance within 440 hours time in service (TIS), however, this AD requires compliance before the next hoist operation or within 440 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. Finally, the EASA AD requires identifying the collective lever switch unit with the service information number; this AD does not. Related Service Information Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. MBB–BK117 D–2– 67A–002, Revision 0, dated January 23, 2017. This service information contains procedures for replacing flip guard P/N PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 26557 79552176 with improved flip guard P/ N 79553511 and for identifying the collective lever switch unit with the alert service bulletin number. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 21 helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Replacing the flip guard requires about 14 hours, and required parts cost $735, for a cost per helicopter of $1,925 and a cost of $40,425 to 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 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), E:\FR\FM\07JNR1.SGM 07JNR1 26558 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 110 / Friday, June 7, 2019 / Rules and Regulations (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. 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): ■ 2019–11–04 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39– 19650; Docket No. FAA–2018–0696; Product Identifier 2017–SW–101–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 D– 2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a cable cut flip guard (flip guard) part number (P/N) 79552176 installed. jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with RULES (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as unintended lifting of a flip guard. This condition could result in inadvertent cutting of the rescue hoist cable and subsequent personal injury. Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5151; email 9-ASW-FTWAMOC-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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. MBB–BK117 D–2–67A–002, Revision 0, dated January 23, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone: (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. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017–0038, dated February 22, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2018–0696. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700 Rotorcraft Flight Control. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 31, 2019. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–11993 Filed 6–6–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (c) Effective Date This AD is effective July 12, 2019. Federal Aviation Administration (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. 14 CFR Part 71 (e) Required Actions Before the next hoist operation or within 440 hours time in service, whichever occurs first, remove flip guard P/N 79552176 from service and install flip guard P/N 79553511 on the collective lever switch unit. Amendment of Class E Airspace; Monroe, GA (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: Clark Davenport, Flight Test Engineer, Flight Test Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:25 Jun 06, 2019 Jkt 247001 [Docket No. FAA–2019–0206; Airspace Docket No. 19–ASO–6] RIN 2120–AA66 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface in Monroe-Walton County Airport, Monroe, GA, to accommodate airspace reconfiguration due to the decommissioning of the Monroe non-directional radio beacon SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 and cancellation of the NDB approach. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at this airport. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of this airport. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, August 15, 2019. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under Title 1 Code of Federal Regulations part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. ADDRESSES: 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 amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for MonroeWalton County Airport, Monroe, GA, due to the decommissioning of the Monroe non-directional radio beacon and cancellation of the NDB approach. E:\FR\FM\07JNR1.SGM 07JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 110 (Friday, June 7, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26556-26558]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-11993]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0696; Product Identifier 2017-SW-101-AD; Amendment 
39-19650; AD 2019-11-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 
117 D-2 helicopters. This AD requires replacing the rescue hoist cable 
cut pushbutton flip guard (flip guard). This AD was prompted by reports 
of unintended lifting of several flip guards.

[[Page 26557]]

We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 12, 2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; phone: (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.

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-
0696; 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The address for Docket Operations 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: Clark Davenport, Flight Test Engineer, 
Flight Test Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: 817-222-5151; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Helicopters 
Model MBB BK 117 D 2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on August 27, 2018 (83 FR 43559). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of unintended lifting of several flip guards. The NPRM proposed 
to require replacing the flip guard with flip guard part number (P/N) 
79553511 on the collective lever switch unit.
    We are issuing this AD to address unintended lifting of a flip 
guard. This condition could result in inadvertent cutting of the rescue 
hoist cable and subsequent personal injury.
    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2017-0038, dated February 22, 2017 
(EASA AD No. 2017-0038), to correct an unsafe condition for certain 
Airbus Helicopters Models MBB-BK 117 D-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2m 
helicopters. EASA advises that multiple events were reported of 
unintended lifting of the flip guard and that the flip guard has two 
stable positions, open and closed. EASA AD No. 2017-0038 states that if 
the unintended lifting is not detected, the requirement for dual action 
when activating the rescue hoist cable cut is not guaranteed. According 
to EASA, this condition, if not corrected, could result in inadvertent 
cutting of the rescue hoist cable and subsequent personal injury.
    EASA further advises that Airbus Helicopters has developed an 
improved mono-stable (closed) flip guard, and EASA AD No. 2017-0038 
requires installing the new flip guard and re-identifying the 
collective lever switch unit.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with the European Union, EASA 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 Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 D-2m 
helicopters, whereas this AD does not since these models are not type 
certificated in the U.S. Also, the EASA AD requires compliance within 
440 hours time in service (TIS), however, this AD requires compliance 
before the next hoist operation or within 440 hours TIS, whichever 
occurs first. Finally, the EASA AD requires identifying the collective 
lever switch unit with the service information number; this AD does 
not.

Related Service Information

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. MBB-BK117 
D-2-67A-002, Revision 0, dated January 23, 2017. This service 
information contains procedures for replacing flip guard P/N 79552176 
with improved flip guard P/N 79553511 and for identifying the 
collective lever switch unit with the alert service bulletin number.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 21 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, we estimate that operators 
may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD.
    Replacing the flip guard requires about 14 hours, and required 
parts cost $735, for a cost per helicopter of $1,925 and a cost of 
$40,425 to 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 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),

[[Page 26558]]

    (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.

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):

2019-11-04 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-19650; 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0696; Product Identifier 2017-SW-101-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a 
cable cut flip guard (flip guard) part number (P/N) 79552176 
installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as unintended lifting of a 
flip guard. This condition could result in inadvertent cutting of 
the rescue hoist cable and subsequent personal injury.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 12, 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

    Before the next hoist operation or within 440 hours time in 
service, whichever occurs first, remove flip guard P/N 79552176 from 
service and install flip guard P/N 79553511 on the collective lever 
switch unit.

(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: 
Clark Davenport, Flight Test Engineer, Flight Test Branch, 
Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5151; 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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. MBB-BK117 D-2-
67A-002, Revision 0, dated January 23, 2017, which is not 
incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the 
subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; phone: (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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0038, dated February 22, 2017. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2018-0696.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700 Rotorcraft 
Flight Control.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 31, 2019.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-11993 Filed 6-6-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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