Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc., Helicopters, 7256-7258 [2020-02450]

Download as PDF 7256 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 26 / Friday, February 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules 119.1 What is the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)? 119.2 through 119.20 [Reserved] burden. The action does not have retroactive or preemptive effect. D. Executive Order 13132 This rule does not have federalism implications as defined in Executive Order 13132. It will not have substantial direct effects 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, as specified in the Executive Order. As such it does not warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. E. Paperwork Reduction Act § 119.1 What is the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)? (a) The PRIME program authorizes SBA to award grants to qualified organizations to fund training and technical assistance for disadvantaged microentrepreneurs; training and capacity-building services for microenterprise development organizations; research and development of the best practices in the fields of microenterprise development and the provision of technical assistance to disadvantaged microentrepreneurs; and such other activities as the Agency deems appropriate. (b) Dependent upon the availability of funds and continuing program authority, SBA will issue, via Grants.gov or any successor platform, funding announcements specifying the terms, conditions, and evaluation criteria for each potential round of PRIME awards. These funding announcements will identify who is eligible to apply for PRIME awards; summarize the purposes for which the available funds may be used; advise potential applicants regarding the process for obtaining, completing, and submitting an application packet; and provide information regarding application deadlines and any additional limitations, special rules, procedures, and restrictions which SBA may deem advisable. (c) SBA will evaluate applications for PRIME awards in accordance with the stated statutory goals of the program and the specific criteria described in the relevant funding announcement. (d) In administering the PRIME program, SBA will require recipients to provide reports in accordance with the subject matter areas and schedule identified in the terms and conditions of their awards. In addition, SBA may, as it deems appropriate, make site visits to recipients’ premises and review all applicable documentation and records. Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0064; Product Identifier 2019–SW–096–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc., Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble, SBA proposes to revise 13 CFR part 119 to read as follows: §§ 119.2 through 119.20 Jovita Carranza, Administrator. The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters Inc., (MDHI) Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of non-conforming main rotor (M/R) hub lead-lag bolts (bolts). This proposed AD would require removing certain bolts from service. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 23, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. PART 119—PROGRAM FOR INVESTMENT IN MICROENTREPRENEURS (‘‘PRIME’’ or ‘‘The Act’’) [FR Doc. 2020–02366 Filed 2–6–20; 8:45 am] Examining the AD Docket BILLING CODE P You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– The SBA has determined that this proposed rule does not affect any existing collection of information. F. Regulatory Flexibility Act When an agency issues a proposed rule, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires the agency to prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA), which describes whether the rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. However, Section 605 of the RFA allows an agency to certify a rule, in lieu of preparing an IRFA, if the rulemaking is not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. There are approximately 130 PRIME grant applications per year. This rule would remove regulations that are no longer necessary because they contain information that exists in multiple sources which could affect all PRIME grant applicants. The total annual savings to applicants is estimated at $10,616 in 2018 dollars, or about $82 per PRIME grant applicant. More information on this estimate can be found in the Executive Order 13771 discussion above. Accordingly, the Administrator of the SBA hereby certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The SBA invites comments from the public on this certification. List of Subjects in 13 CFR Part 119 Grant programs—business, small businesses. ■ jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Authority: 15 U.S.C. 634(b)(6), 6901–6910. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION [Reserved] Sec VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Feb 06, 2020 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM 07FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 26 / Friday, February 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules 0064; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 562–627–5313; email payman.soltani@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0064; Product Identifier 2019–SW–096–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Discussion The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MDHI Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters with certain serialnumbered bolts part number (P/N) 369D21220 installed. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of nonconforming bolts. Certain serialnumbered bolts had an unauthorized repair of their cadmium plating performed between April 2004 and October 2018. Analysis has shown that these bolts have a lower fatigue life compared to bolts used during manufacturing batch testing. This proposed AD would require removing the affected bolts from service. This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Feb 06, 2020 Jkt 250001 Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed MD Helicopters Service Bulletin No. SB369D–223 for Model 369D helicopters, No. SB369E– 122 for Model 369E helicopters, No. SB369F–110 for Model 369FF helicopters, No. SB369H–259 for Model 369H, 369HE, 369HS, and 369HM helicopters, No. SB500N–060 for Model 500N helicopters, and No. SB600N–073 for Model 600N helicopters, each dated April 19, 2019. These service bulletins are co-published as one document. This service information specifies determining the serial number of bolt P/ N 369D21220, and if certain serialnumbered bolts are installed on a helicopter, contacting MDHI to schedule replacement of each affected bolt and reporting information. This service information also specifies returning removed parts to MDHI along with a completed Service Operation Report. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all of the relevant information and determining the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type designs. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require removing each affected bolt P/N 369D21220 from service at the next overhaul of the M/R assembly or within 3 months, whichever occurs first. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing an affected bolt on any helicopter after the effective date of the proposed AD. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information The service information specifies reporting information and returning removed parts to MDHI, whereas this proposed AD would not require either of those actions. The service information specifies replacing the affected bolts within 12 months, whereas this proposed AD would require replacing the affected bolts within three months of the effective date of this AD. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 767 helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 7257 the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD. Replacing a bolt would take about 0.25 work-hour and parts would cost about $178 for an estimated cost of $199 per bolt. According to MDHI, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in this 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. The FAA is 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 The FAA 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 above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) 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. E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM 07FEP1 7258 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 26 / Friday, February 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules 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. (MDHI): Docket No. FAA–2020–0064; Product Identifier 2019–SW–096–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by March 23, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to MDHI Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor (M/R) hub lead-lag bolt (bolt) part number (P/N) 369D21220 with a serial number (S/N) listed in paragraph 1.B. of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin No. SB369D–223, SB369E–122, SB369F–110, SB369H–259, SB500N–060, or SB600N–073, each dated April 19, 2019, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC): 6200, Main Rotor System. (e) Unsafe Condition (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO 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 the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMLAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. (2) 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. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 562–627–5313; email payman.soltani@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215–9734; telephone 1–800–388–3378; fax 480–346–6813; or at https:// www.mdhelicopters.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 817–222– 5110. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 29, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–02450 Filed 2–6–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P This AD was prompted by a report of nonconforming bolts. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of a bolt. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institutes of Standards and Technology 15 CFR Part 287 [Docket No.: 191210–0104] RIN 0693–AB65 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (g) Required Actions (1) At the next overhaul of the M/R assembly or within 3 months, whichever occurs first, remove from service each bolt with a P/N and S/N listed in paragraph (c) of this AD. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any helicopter a bolt with a P/ N and S/N listed in paragraph (c) of this AD. (h) Special Flight Permit A special flight permit may be permitted for a one-time ferry flight to an authorized repair facility. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Feb 06, 2020 Jkt 250001 Guidance on Federal Conformity Assessment Activities National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requests comments on proposed revisions to regulations updating policy guidance on Federal agency use of SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 conformity assessment that reflects advancement in conformity assessment concepts, and the evolution in Federal agency strategies and coordination in using and relying on conformity assessment. The provisions are solely intended to be used as guidance for agencies in their use and reliance on conformity assessment to meet agency requirements and do not preempt the agency authority and responsibility to make decisions authorized by statute or required in establishing regulatory, procurement, or programmatic activities. DATES: For Comments: Send comments on or before April 7, 2020. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number: 191210–0104, through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov (search using the docket number). Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Identify the document by docket ID number and other identifying information (subject heading, Federal Register date and page number). See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for file formats and other information about electronic filing. All submissions, including attachments and other supporting materials, will become part of the public record and subject to public disclosure. NIST reserves the right to publish relevant comments publicly, unedited and in their entirety. Personal information, such as account numbers or Social Security numbers, or names of other individuals, should not be included. Do not submit confidential business information, or otherwise proprietary, sensitive or protected information. Comments that contain profanity, vulgarity, threats, or other inappropriate language or content will not be posted or considered. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gordon Gillerman via email at 15CFR287@nist.gov, or by phone at (301) 975–4000. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Purpose of This Guidance The guidance outlines Federal agencies’ responsibilities for using conformity assessment to meet respective agency requirements in an efficient and cost-effective manner for the agency and its stakeholders. To reduce unnecessary burden and make productive use of federal resources, this guidance emphasizes that agencies should consider coordinating conformity assessment activities with those of other appropriate government agencies (Federal, State, and local) and E:\FR\FM\07FEP1.SGM 07FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7256-7258]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02450]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0064; Product Identifier 2019-SW-096-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc., Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for MD Helicopters Inc., (MDHI) Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 
369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted 
by a report of non-conforming main rotor (M/R) hub lead-lag bolts 
(bolts). This proposed AD would require removing certain bolts from 
service. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 23, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 view this 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 817-222-5110.

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-2020-

[[Page 7257]]

0064; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, 
Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 562-627-5313; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0064; 
Product Identifier 2019-SW-096-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
MDHI Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N 
helicopters with certain serial-numbered bolts part number (P/N) 
369D21220 installed. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of non-
conforming bolts. Certain serial-numbered bolts had an unauthorized 
repair of their cadmium plating performed between April 2004 and 
October 2018. Analysis has shown that these bolts have a lower fatigue 
life compared to bolts used during manufacturing batch testing. This 
proposed AD would require removing the affected bolts from service.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of an M/R 
blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed MD Helicopters Service Bulletin No. SB369D-223 for 
Model 369D helicopters, No. SB369E-122 for Model 369E helicopters, No. 
SB369F-110 for Model 369FF helicopters, No. SB369H-259 for Model 369H, 
369HE, 369HS, and 369HM helicopters, No. SB500N-060 for Model 500N 
helicopters, and No. SB600N-073 for Model 600N helicopters, each dated 
April 19, 2019. These service bulletins are co-published as one 
document. This service information specifies determining the serial 
number of bolt P/N 369D21220, and if certain serial-numbered bolts are 
installed on a helicopter, contacting MDHI to schedule replacement of 
each affected bolt and reporting information. This service information 
also specifies returning removed parts to MDHI along with a completed 
Service Operation Report.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all of the relevant 
information and determining the unsafe condition described previously 
is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require removing each affected bolt P/N 
369D21220 from service at the next overhaul of the M/R assembly or 
within 3 months, whichever occurs first. This proposed AD would also 
prohibit installing an affected bolt on any helicopter after the 
effective date of the proposed AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The service information specifies reporting information and 
returning removed parts to MDHI, whereas this proposed AD would not 
require either of those actions. The service information specifies 
replacing the affected bolts within 12 months, whereas this proposed AD 
would require replacing the affected bolts within three months of the 
effective date of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 767 
helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD.
    Replacing a bolt would take about 0.25 work-hour and parts would 
cost about $178 for an estimated cost of $199 per bolt.
    According to MDHI, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in this 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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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 above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

[[Page 7258]]

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. (MDHI): Docket No. FAA-2020-0064; Product 
Identifier 2019-SW-096-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by March 23, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to MDHI Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 
369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters, certificated in any 
category, with a main rotor (M/R) hub lead-lag bolt (bolt) part 
number (P/N) 369D21220 with a serial number (S/N) listed in 
paragraph 1.B. of MD Helicopters Service Bulletin No. SB369D-223, 
SB369E-122, SB369F-110, SB369H-259, SB500N-060, or SB600N-073, each 
dated April 19, 2019, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC): 6200, Main Rotor System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of non-conforming bolts. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of a bolt. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of an M/R blade 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) At the next overhaul of the M/R assembly or within 3 months, 
whichever occurs first, remove from service each bolt with a P/N and 
S/N listed in paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
helicopter a bolt with a P/N and S/N listed in paragraph (c) of this 
AD.

(h) Special Flight Permit

    A special flight permit may be permitted for a one-time ferry 
flight to an authorized repair facility.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO 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 the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may 
be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Payman Soltani, 
Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, 
California 90712; telephone 562-627-5313; email 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact MD 
Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell 
Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-800-388-3378; 
fax 480-346-6813; or at https://www.mdhelicopters.com. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 817-222-5110.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 29, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-02450 Filed 2-6-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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