Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Helicopters, 16531-16533 [2020-05996]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 57 / Tuesday, March 24, 2020 / Rules and Regulations (4) A general description of the use of the required stress test as one element in an Enterprise’s overall capital planning and capital assessment. If an Enterprise is under conservatorship, this description shall be coordinated with FHFA; (5) Aggregate losses, pre-provision net revenue, net income, net worth, pro forma capital levels and capital ratios (including regulatory and any other capital ratios specified by FHFA) over the planning horizon, under the scenario; and (6) Such other data fields, in such form (e.g., aggregated), as the Director may require. Dated: March 11, 2020. Mark A. Calabria, Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency. [FR Doc. 2020–05476 Filed 3–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8070–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters. This AD requires establishing a life limit for the main rotor (M/R) blade upper control collective/longitudinal link assembly (link assembly). This AD was prompted by the discovery that the life limit was omitted from the maintenance manual. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD is effective April 28, 2020. For service information related to 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 this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with RULES ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:59 Mar 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 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–2017– 1125; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street 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: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 562–627–5313; email payman.soltani@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [Docket No. FAA–2017–1125; Product Identifier 2017–SW–078–AD; Amendment 39–19880; AD 2020–06–11] DATES: Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. Discussion The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to MDHI Model 600N helicopters with a yaw stability augmentation system and with an M/R link assembly part number (P/N) 600N7617–1 installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 10, 2018 (83 FR 45580). The NPRM was prompted by a report from MDHI that during a review of the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable maintenance manual, MDHI discovered that it did not include a life limit for link assemblies installed on MDHI Model 600N helicopters with a yaw stability augmentation system. Link assembly P/N 600N7617–1, which is made of aluminum, is a life-limited part with a life limit of 15,000 hours timein-service (TIS). MDHI subsequently revised the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual to include the life limit. The NPRM proposed to require creating a component history card or equivalent record for each affected link assembly, if one does not exist, and recording a life limit of 15,000 hours TIS. This NPRM also proposed to require determining the hours TIS of the link assembly and removing the link assembly from service according to the new life limit. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 16531 a link assembly remaining in service beyond its life limit, which could result in fatigue failure, loss of M/R blade pitch control, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request MDHI expressed concern that the requirements proposed by the NPRM do not definitively eliminate the risk of a life limit being exceeded. MDHI stated that link assembly P/N 600N7617–1 is not serialized and is aware that link assemblies have been installed on aircraft with multiple serial numbers, possibly indicating that link assemblies P/N 600N7617–1 may not have a reliable TIS record. MDHI also stated if the TIS is unknown, arbitrarily setting the TIS to the aircraft hours may not adequately reflect the actual TIS of link assembly P/N 600N7617–1. FAA Response The FAA acknowledges link assembly P/N 600N7617–1 is not serialized and the possibility of cross-installation on multiple aircraft. However, the FAA has determined that using the hours TIS of the helicopter mitigates the risk to an acceptable level because there is a small number of link assemblies P/N 600N7617–1 in-service, the usage rate for MDHI Model 600N helicopters is similar throughout the fleet, and the 15,000 hours TIS life limit includes a built-in life reduction for different variabilities. Request MDHI requested the FAA mandate the replacement of link assembly P/N 600N7617–1 with link assembly P/N 600N7617–5. MDHI explained that installation of link assembly P/N 600N7617–5 is consistent with production and field modification installations of the yaw stability augmentation system (YSAS), which requires installation of link assembly P/ N 600N7617–5, and that link assembly P/N 600N7617–5 is not subject to lifelimiting fatigue, therefore eliminating this potential safety risk. FAA Response The FAA agrees that replacing link assembly P/N 600N7617–1 with link assembly P/N 600N7617–5 is beneficial but disagrees that the replacement is required for airworthiness. Link E:\FR\FM\24MRR1.SGM 24MRR1 16532 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 57 / Tuesday, March 24, 2020 / Rules and Regulations assembly P/N 600N7617–5 is an upgraded part made of steel and is not subject to a life limit. The FAA disagrees with requiring replacement of link assembly P/N 600N7617–1 with link assembly P/N 600N7617–5 because link assembly P/N 600N7617–1 is airworthy within the life limit of 15,000 TIS. The FAA provided additional information about this response, which can be found in the AD docket. The FAA has added an optional terminating action to the requirements of this AD that specifies removing link assembly P/ N 600N7617–1 from service and installing link assembly P/N 600N7617– 5 instead. 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. FAA’s Determination The FAA has reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed except for the changes described previously. These changes are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM to address the unsafe condition and do not add any additional burden upon the public to that already proposed in the NPRM. The FAA has also determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of this final rule. 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) 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. Related Service Information The FAA reviewed MDHI CSP–HMI– 2 MDHI Maintenance Manual, Chapter 04, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 47, dated September 30, 2016. This service information specifies a 15,000 hour TIS life limit for link assembly P/ N 600N7617–1 for helicopters with a yaw stability augmentation system. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with RULES Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 26 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Determining the hours TIS of each link assembly and updating the aircraft records takes about 30 minutes, for a cost of $43 per helicopter and $1,118 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing a link assembly, if needed, takes about 2 work-hours, and parts cost about $984 for an estimated replacement cost of $1,154 per link per helicopter. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:59 Mar 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 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): ■ 2020–06–11 MD Helicopters Inc.: Amendment 39–19880; Docket No. FAA–2017–1125; Product Identifier 2017–SW–078–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters, certified in PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 any category, with a yaw stability augmentation system and with a main rotor (M/R) blade upper control collective/ longitudinal link assembly (link assembly) part number (P/N) 600N7617–1 installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a link assembly remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could result in failure of the link assembly, failure of M/R blade pitch control, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 28, 2020. (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 100 hours time-in-service (TIS): (1) Determine the total hours TIS of each link assembly P/N 600N7617–1. If the hours TIS are unknown, use the hours TIS of the helicopter. Remove from service any link assembly that has 15,000 or more hours TIS. Thereafter, remove from service any link assembly before accumulating 15,000 hours TIS. (2) Create a component history card or equivalent record for each link assembly P/ N 600N7617–1 and record a life limit of 15,000 hours TIS. (3) As an optional terminating action to the requirements of paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this AD, you may remove from service link assembly P/N 600N7617–1 and install link assembly P/N 600N7617–5. (f) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 562– 627–5313; email 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests 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. (h) Additional Information For service information related to 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 review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 E:\FR\FM\24MRR1.SGM 24MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 57 / Tuesday, March 24, 2020 / Rules and Regulations Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor Control. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Issued on March 17, 2020. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–05996 Filed 3–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2019–0729; Airspace Docket No. 19–AGL–12] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes V–82, V–217, and T–383 in the Vicinity of Baudette, MN Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule, delay of effective date. AGENCY: This action changes the effective date of a final rule published in the Federal Register on February 21, 2020, amending VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V–82 and V–217, and area navigation (RNAV) route T–383 in the vicinity of Baudette, MN. The ATS route amendments were due to the planned decommissioning of the Baudette VOR. The FAA is delaying the effective date to coincide with the expected completion of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT) purchase and flight check of a new Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) facility to support the Instrument Landing System (ILS) or Localizer (LOC) Approach to Runway (RWY) 31 instrument approach procedure, which is affected by the loss of the Baudette VOR, at Warroad International Memorial Airport, MN. DATES: The effective date of the final rule published on February 21, 2020 (85 FR 10054) is delayed until September 10, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:59 Mar 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. The FAA published a final rule in the Federal Register for Docket No. FAA– 2019–0729 (85 FR 10054, February 21, 2020), amending VOR Federal airways V–82 and V–217, and RNAV route T– 383 in the vicinity of Baudette, MN. The effective date for that final rule is May 21, 2020. However, the decommissioning of the Baudette, MN, VOR has a direct impact on the ILS or LOC RWY 31 instrument approach procedure at Warroad International Memorial Airport, MN, because the DME required for this procedure is out of service. The Minnesota DOT is currently in the process of purchasing new DME equipment to install at the Warroad International Memorial Airport, MN. Upon purchase and installation of the new equipment, Minnesota DOT has committed to have the required Flight Inspection completed and the DME certified for use by September 10, 2020; therefore, the rule amending V–82, V– 217, and T–383 is delayed to coincide with that date. VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) and RNAV T-routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA Order 7400.11D dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal airways and RNAV T-route listed in this document will be subsequently published in the Order. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. Good Cause for No Notice and Comment Section 553(b)(3)(B) of Title 5, United States Code, (the Administrative Procedure Act) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency for ‘‘good cause’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the rulemaking. The FAA finds that prior notice and public comment to this final rule is unnecessary due to the brief length of the extension of the effective date and the fact that there is no substantive change to the rule.’’ PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 16533 Delay of Effective Date Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, the effective date of the final rule, Airspace Docket 19–AGL–12, as published in the Federal Register on February 21, 2020 (85 FR 10054), FR Doc. 2020–03282, is hereby delayed until September 10, 2020. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959–1963 Comp., P. 389. Issued in Washington, DC, on March 11, 2020. Scott M. Rosenbloom, Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group. [FR Doc. 2020–05859 Filed 3–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2019–0687; Airspace Docket No. 19–ASO–17] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Area Navigation Routes, Florida Metroplex Project; Southeastern United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends 11 high altitude area navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes) in support of the Florida Metroplex Project. The amendments provide more efficient, streamlined route options for users, and improve the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, May 21, 2020. 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 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https:// www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Rules and Regulations 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24MRR1.SGM 24MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 57 (Tuesday, March 24, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16531-16533]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05996]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1125; Product Identifier 2017-SW-078-AD; Amendment 
39-19880; AD 2020-06-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD 
Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N helicopters. This AD requires 
establishing a life limit for the main rotor (M/R) blade upper control 
collective/longitudinal link assembly (link assembly). This AD was 
prompted by the discovery that the life limit was omitted from the 
maintenance manual. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 28, 2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information related to 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 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-2017-
1125; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street 
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: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; 
telephone 562-627-5313; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to MDHI Model 600N 
helicopters with a yaw stability augmentation system and with an M/R 
link assembly part number (P/N) 600N7617-1 installed. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on September 10, 2018 (83 FR 45580). 
The NPRM was prompted by a report from MDHI that during a review of the 
Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable maintenance manual, 
MDHI discovered that it did not include a life limit for link 
assemblies installed on MDHI Model 600N helicopters with a yaw 
stability augmentation system. Link assembly P/N 600N7617-1, which is 
made of aluminum, is a life-limited part with a life limit of 15,000 
hours time-in-service (TIS). MDHI subsequently revised the 
Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual to include 
the life limit. The NPRM proposed to require creating a component 
history card or equivalent record for each affected link assembly, if 
one does not exist, and recording a life limit of 15,000 hours TIS. 
This NPRM also proposed to require determining the hours TIS of the 
link assembly and removing the link assembly from service according to 
the new life limit. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent 
a link assembly remaining in service beyond its life limit, which could 
result in fatigue failure, loss of M/R blade pitch control, and 
subsequent loss of helicopter control.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request

    MDHI expressed concern that the requirements proposed by the NPRM 
do not definitively eliminate the risk of a life limit being exceeded.
    MDHI stated that link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 is not serialized and 
is aware that link assemblies have been installed on aircraft with 
multiple serial numbers, possibly indicating that link assemblies P/N 
600N7617-1 may not have a reliable TIS record. MDHI also stated if the 
TIS is unknown, arbitrarily setting the TIS to the aircraft hours may 
not adequately reflect the actual TIS of link assembly P/N 600N7617-1.

FAA Response

    The FAA acknowledges link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 is not serialized 
and the possibility of cross-installation on multiple aircraft. 
However, the FAA has determined that using the hours TIS of the 
helicopter mitigates the risk to an acceptable level because there is a 
small number of link assemblies P/N 600N7617-1 in-service, the usage 
rate for MDHI Model 600N helicopters is similar throughout the fleet, 
and the 15,000 hours TIS life limit includes a built-in life reduction 
for different variabilities.

Request

    MDHI requested the FAA mandate the replacement of link assembly P/N 
600N7617-1 with link assembly P/N 600N7617-5. MDHI explained that 
installation of link assembly P/N 600N7617-5 is consistent with 
production and field modification installations of the yaw stability 
augmentation system (YSAS), which requires installation of link 
assembly P/N 600N7617-5, and that link assembly P/N 600N7617-5 is not 
subject to life-limiting fatigue, therefore eliminating this potential 
safety risk.

FAA Response

    The FAA agrees that replacing link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 with 
link assembly P/N 600N7617-5 is beneficial but disagrees that the 
replacement is required for airworthiness. Link

[[Page 16532]]

assembly P/N 600N7617-5 is an upgraded part made of steel and is not 
subject to a life limit. The FAA disagrees with requiring replacement 
of link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 with link assembly P/N 600N7617-5 
because link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 is airworthy within the life limit 
of 15,000 TIS. The FAA provided additional information about this 
response, which can be found in the AD docket. The FAA has added an 
optional terminating action to the requirements of this AD that 
specifies removing link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 from service and 
installing link assembly P/N 600N7617-5 instead.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA has reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed except for the changes 
described previously. These changes are consistent with the intent that 
was proposed in the NPRM to address the unsafe condition and do not add 
any additional burden upon the public to that already proposed in the 
NPRM. The FAA has also determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
this final rule.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed MDHI CSP-HMI-2 MDHI Maintenance Manual, Chapter 
04, Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 47, dated September 30, 2016. 
This service information specifies a 15,000 hour TIS life limit for 
link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 for helicopters with a yaw stability 
augmentation system.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 26 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 
per work-hour.
    Determining the hours TIS of each link assembly and updating the 
aircraft records takes about 30 minutes, for a cost of $43 per 
helicopter and $1,118 for the U.S. fleet.
    Replacing a link assembly, if needed, takes about 2 work-hours, and 
parts cost about $984 for an estimated replacement cost of $1,154 per 
link per helicopter.

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

    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) 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.

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):

2020-06-11 MD Helicopters Inc.: Amendment 39-19880; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1125; Product Identifier 2017-SW-078-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 600N 
helicopters, certified in any category, with a yaw stability 
augmentation system and with a main rotor (M/R) blade upper control 
collective/longitudinal link assembly (link assembly) part number 
(P/N) 600N7617-1 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a link assembly 
remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could 
result in failure of the link assembly, failure of M/R blade pitch 
control, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 28, 2020.

(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 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (1) Determine the total hours TIS of each link assembly P/N 
600N7617-1. If the hours TIS are unknown, use the hours TIS of the 
helicopter. Remove from service any link assembly that has 15,000 or 
more hours TIS. Thereafter, remove from service any link assembly 
before accumulating 15,000 hours TIS.
    (2) Create a component history card or equivalent record for 
each link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 and record a life limit of 15,000 
hours TIS.
    (3) As an optional terminating action to the requirements of 
paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this AD, you may remove from service 
link assembly P/N 600N7617-1 and install link assembly P/N 600N7617-
5.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Payman Soltani, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, 
California 90712; telephone 562-627-5313; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests 
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.

(h) Additional Information

    For service information related to 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 
review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101

[[Page 16533]]

Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor 
Control.

    Issued on March 17, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
 Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-05996 Filed 3-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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