Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 23489-23492 [2020-08976]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 82 / Tuesday, April 28, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(9) Rule: Small Business Subcontracting
Proposed Rule: https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-201110-05/pdf/FR-2011-10-05.pdf#page=79
(76 FR 61626, October 5, 2011).
Final Rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/FR-2013-07-16/pdf/FR2013-07-16.pdf#page=10 (78 FR 42391,
July 16, 2013).
(10) Rule: Acquisition Process: Task and
Delivery Order Contracts, Bundling,
Consolidation
Proposed Rule: https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-201205-16/pdf/FR-2012-05-16.pdf#page=378
(77 FR 29130, May 16, 2012).
Final Rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/FR-2013-10-02/pdf/FR2013-10-02.pdf#page=469 (78 FR 61114,
October 2, 2013).
(11) Rule: Small Business Mentor
Prote´ge´ Programs; Small Business Size
Regulations; Government Contracting
Programs; 8(a) Business Development/
Small Disadvantaged Business Status
Determinations; HUBZone Program;
Women-Owned Small Business Federal
Contract Program; Rules of Procedure
Governing Cases Before the Office of
Hearings and Appeals (February 5,
2015; 80 FR 6618
Proposed Rule: https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-201502-05/pdf/FR-2015-02-05.pdf#page=196
(80 FR 6618, February 5, 2015).
Final Rule: Small Business Mentor
Prote´ge´ Programs (July 25, 2016; 81 FR
48558); https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/FR-2016-07-25/pdf/FR2016-07-25.pdf#page=248.
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C. Rules Related to 13 CFR Part 126
Title: HUBZone Program (Section 610
Review).
Docket Number: SBA–2020–0018.
RIN: 3245–AH21.
Citation: 13 CFR 126.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632 and 657a.
Description: Under part 126,
HUBZone program, SBA has
promulgated several rules that the
Agency determined would have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
within the meaning of the RFA. These
rules established eligibility
requirements for qualified HUBZone
small business concerns, procedures for
certification program examinations and
protests, and provisions relating to
HUBZone contracts, among other things.
Each of these rules is listed below; for
ease of access, SBA has provided the
web address for the proposed and final
publications of each rule.
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(1) Rule: HUBZone Empowerment
Contracting Program
Proposed Rule: HUBZone
Empowerment Contracting Program
(April 2, 1998; 63 FR 16148); https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-199804-02/pdf/FR-1998-04-02.pdf#page=72.
Final Rule: HUBZone Empowerment
Contracting Program (June 11, 1998; 63
FR 31896); https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/FR-1998-06-11/pdf/9815581.pdf#page=1.
(2) Rule: Small Business Size
Regulations; Government Contracting
Programs; HUBZone Program
Proposed Rule: https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-200201-28/pdf/FR-2002-01-28.pdf#page=38
(67 FR 3826, January 28, 2002).
Final Rule: Small Business Size
Regulations; Government Contracting
Programs; HUBZone Program https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-200405-24/pdf/FR-2004-05-24.pdf#page=8
(69 FR 29411, May 24, 2004).
(3) Rule: Women-Owned Small Business
Federal Contract Program
Proposed Rule: https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-201003-04/pdf/FR-2010-03-04.pdf#page=285
(75 FR 10030, March 4, 2010).
Final Rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/FR-2010-10-07/pdf/FR2010-10-07.pdf#page=289 (75 FR 62258,
October 7, 2010).
23489
05-16/pdf/FR-2012-05-16.pdf#page=378
(77 FR 29130, May 16, 2012).
Final Rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/FR-2013-10-02/pdf/FR2013-10-02.pdf#page=469 (78 FR 61114,
October 2, 2013).
(7) Rule: Small Business Mentor Prote´ge´
Programs; Small Business Size
Regulations; Government Contracting
Programs; 8(a) Business Development/
Small Disadvantaged Business Status
Determinations; HUBZone Program;
Women-Owned Small Business Federal
Contract Program; Rules of Procedure
Governing Cases Before the Office of
Hearings and Appeals
Proposed Rule: https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-201502-05/pdf/FR-2015-02-05.pdf#page=196
(80 FR 6618, February 5, 2015).
Final Rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/FR-2016-07-25/pdf/FR2016-07-25.pdf#page=248 (81 FR 48558,
July 25, 2016).
Dated: April 16, 2020.
Barbara Carson,
Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of
Government Contracting and Business
Development.
[FR Doc. 2020–08475 Filed 4–27–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
(4) Rule: Small Business, Small
Disadvantaged Business, HUBZone, and
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned
Business Status Protest and Appeal
Regulations
14 CFR Part 39
Proposed Rule: https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-201003-01/pdf/FR-2010-03-01.pdf#page=52
(75 FR 9129, March 1, 2010).
Final Rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/FR-2011-02-02/pdf/FR2011-02-02.pdf#page=9 (76 FR 5680,
February 2, 2011).
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
(5) Rule: Small Business Size and Status
Integrity
Proposed Rule: https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-201110-07/pdf/FR-2011-10-07.pdf#page=41
(76 FR 62313, October 7, 2011).
Final Rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/FR-2013-06-28/pdf/FR2013-06-28.pdf#page=9 (78 FR 38811,
June 28, 2013).
(6) Rule: Acquisition Process: Task and
Delivery Order Contracts, Bundling,
Consolidation
Proposed Rule: https://
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2012-
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[Docket No. FAA–2020–0342; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–078–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by a
report of an erroneous low rotor
revolutions per minute (RPM)
indication after establishing a one
engine inoperative (OEI) condition. This
proposed AD would require a software
(SW) modification for the aircraft
management computer (AMC). 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 June 12, 2020.
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 82 / Tuesday, April 28, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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–2020–0342; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–078–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.
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 Airbus Helicopters,
2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; telephone 972–641–0000 or 800–
232–0323; fax 972–641–3775; or at
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/
services/technical-support.html. 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.
ADDRESSES:
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–
0342; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, 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:
George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
george.schwab@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019–
0208, dated August 22, 2019 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 D–2
helicopters. EASA advises that an
occurrence was reported of erroneous
low RPM indication after establishing
an OEI condition. To address this unsafe
condition, Airbus Helicopters
developed upgraded AMC SW, which
prevents further occurrences, and issued
service information providing
instructions to update the SW of
affected parts.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
erroneous low RPM indications, which
could cause the pilot to make
inappropriate control inputs, resulting
in damage to the helicopter or injury to
occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0342.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert
Service Bulletin MBB–BK117 D–2–42A–
005, Revision 3, dated June 6, 2019.
This service information describes
procedures for a SW modification for
the AMC.
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
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the State
of Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. The FAA
is proposing this AD after evaluating all
the relevant information and
determining the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Proposed Requirements of This NPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously, except as discussed under
‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD
and the MCAI or Service Information.’’
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI or Service Information
EASA AD 2019–0208 provides a 60day compliance time for accomplishing
the SW modification. This proposed AD
would require completion of the SW
modification within 50 hours time-inservice.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this
proposed AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ..............................................................................................
$3,000
$3,085
$92,550
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
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section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
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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
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 82 / Tuesday, April 28, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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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.
(2) Group 1: Helicopters that have an
affected part installed.
(3) Group 2: Helicopters that do not have
an affected part installed.
(h) Software Modification
(1) For Group 1: Within 50 hours time-inservice after the effective date of this AD,
update the SW of each affected part to the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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.
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:
Docket No. FAA–2020–0342; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–078–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by June
12, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
corresponding upgraded SW, as listed in
Figure 1 to paragraphs (g)(1), (h), and (i) of
this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.B.2,
of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
MBB–BK117 D–2–42A–005, Revision 3,
dated June 6, 2019.
(2) Replacement on a helicopter of an
affected part with an AMC having the
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This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 D–
2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
The Proposed Amendment
§ 39.13
(c) Applicability
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 42, Integrated Modular
Avionics.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of an
erroneous low rotor revolutions per minute
(RPM) indication after establishing a one
engine inoperative condition. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address erroneous low
RPM indications, which could cause the pilot
to make inappropriate control inputs,
resulting in damage to the helicopter or
injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Definitions
(1) Affected part: An aircraft management
computer (AMC) having a software (SW)
version installed that is identified as ‘‘premodification SW’’ in Figure 1 to paragraphs
(g)(1), (h), and (i) of this AD, or earlier SW
version.
corresponding upgraded SW installed, as
listed in Figure 1 to paragraphs (g)(1), (h),
and (i) of this AD, or later SW upgrade is an
acceptable alternative method of compliance
for the requirements of paragraph (h)(1) of
this AD for that helicopter.
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EP28AP20.020</GPH>
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 82 / Tuesday, April 28, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Do not install on any helicopter an affected
part, and do not upload any SW identified as
‘‘pre-modification SW’’ in Figure 1 to
paragraphs (g)(1), (h), and (i) of this AD, or
earlier SW version, on any AMC, as required
by paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of this AD, as
applicable.
(1) For Group 1: After modification of that
helicopter as specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD.
(2) For Group 2: As of the effective date of
this AD.
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5110; 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, 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD No. 2019–0208, dated August 22,
2019. This EASA AD may be found in the AD
docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0342.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N.
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 972–641–0000 or 800–232–0323;
fax 972–641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. 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.
[FR Doc. 2020–08976 Filed 4–27–20; 8:45 am]
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3941; Product
Identifier 2015–SW–052–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
Issued on April 23, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is revising an earlier
proposal for Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters)
Model MBB–BK 117A–3, MBB–BK
117A–4, MBB–BK 117B–1, MBB–BK
117B–2, and MBB–BK 117C–1
helicopters. This action revises the
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
by expanding the applicability and
proposing to add requirements to
replace certain seals with newly
certified seals and revise the Rotorcraft
Flight Manual (RFM) for your
helicopter. The FAA is proposing this
airworthiness directive (AD) to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
Since these actions would impose an
additional burden over those in the
NPRM, the FAA is reopening the
comment period to allow the public the
chance to comment on these changes.
DATES: The comment period for the
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on May 5, 2016 (81 FR 27057),
is reopened.
The FAA must receive comments on
this SNPRM by June 12, 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 the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:22 Apr 27, 2020
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PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
3941; 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 SNPRM,
the European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (previously European Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, 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 service information identified in
this SNPRM, contact Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
972–641–0000 or 800–232–0323; fax
972–641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view
the referenced service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
Matt
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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–2015–3941; Product
Identifier 2015–SW–052–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this SNPRM. The FAA will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this SNPRM based on
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 SNPRM.
Discussion
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend
14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Model MBB–BK 117A–3, MBB–BK
117A–4, MBB–BK 117B–1, MBB–BK
117B–2, and MBB–BK 117C–1
helicopters with adhesive seal part
number (P/N) 117–800201.01 installed
E:\FR\FM\28APP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 28, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23489-23492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08976]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0342; Product Identifier 2019-SW-078-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
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 all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an erroneous
low rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) indication after establishing a
one engine inoperative (OEI) condition. This proposed AD would require
a software (SW) modification for the aircraft management computer
(AMC). 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 June 12,
2020.
[[Page 23490]]
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 Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. 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.
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-
0342; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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: George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110;
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-2020-0342;
Product Identifier 2019-SW-078-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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019-0208, dated August 22, 2019
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters.
EASA advises that an occurrence was reported of erroneous low RPM
indication after establishing an OEI condition. To address this unsafe
condition, Airbus Helicopters developed upgraded AMC SW, which prevents
further occurrences, and issued service information providing
instructions to update the SW of affected parts.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address erroneous low RPM
indications, which could cause the pilot to make inappropriate control
inputs, resulting in damage to the helicopter or injury to occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0342.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-2-
42A-005, Revision 3, dated June 6, 2019. This service information
describes procedures for a SW modification for the AMC.
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
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all the relevant information and determining the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on
other products of the same type design.
Proposed Requirements of This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information
EASA AD 2019-0208 provides a 60-day compliance time for
accomplishing the SW modification. This proposed AD would require
completion of the SW modification within 50 hours time-in-service.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 30 helicopters of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $3,000 $3,085 $92,550
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
[[Page 23491]]
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.
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):
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2020-0342;
Product Identifier 2019-SW-078-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by June 12, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 42, Integrated
Modular Avionics.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of an erroneous low rotor
revolutions per minute (RPM) indication after establishing a one
engine inoperative condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
erroneous low RPM indications, which could cause the pilot to make
inappropriate control inputs, resulting in damage to the helicopter
or injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definitions
(1) Affected part: An aircraft management computer (AMC) having
a software (SW) version installed that is identified as ``pre-
modification SW'' in Figure 1 to paragraphs (g)(1), (h), and (i) of
this AD, or earlier SW version.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP28AP20.020
(2) Group 1: Helicopters that have an affected part installed.
(3) Group 2: Helicopters that do not have an affected part
installed.
(h) Software Modification
(1) For Group 1: Within 50 hours time-in-service after the
effective date of this AD, update the SW of each affected part to
the corresponding upgraded SW, as listed in Figure 1 to paragraphs
(g)(1), (h), and (i) of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-2-42A-005, Revision 3, dated June
6, 2019.
(2) Replacement on a helicopter of an affected part with an AMC
having the corresponding upgraded SW installed, as listed in Figure
1 to paragraphs (g)(1), (h), and (i) of this AD, or later SW upgrade
is an acceptable alternative method of compliance for the
requirements of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD for that helicopter.
[[Page 23492]]
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
Do not install on any helicopter an affected part, and do not
upload any SW identified as ``pre-modification SW'' in Figure 1 to
paragraphs (g)(1), (h), and (i) of this AD, or earlier SW version,
on any AMC, as required by paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of this AD, as
applicable.
(1) For Group 1: After modification of that helicopter as
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(2) For Group 2: As of the effective date of this AD.
(j) 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:
George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth,
TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2019-0208, dated August 22,
2019. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0342.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
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.
Issued on April 23, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-08976 Filed 4-27-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
