Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 59413-59416 [2020-20763]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
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
*COM007*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):
■
2020–19–07 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment
39–21250; Docket No. FAA–2020–0258;
Product Identifier 2018–SW–002–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AW169 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with left-hand (LH) main landing
gear (MLG) assembly, part number (P/N)
6F3210V00132 or P/N 6F3210V00133, with
serial number (S/N) MN01 through MN84
inclusive, or right-hand (RH) MLG assembly,
P/N 6F3210V00232 or P/N 6F3210V00233,
with S/N MN01 to MN81 inclusive, installed.
This AD does not apply to helicopters with
an MLG that has been modified in
accordance with Magnaghi Aeronautica
S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. SB–07–2017–
AW169, Issue 5, dated November 22, 2017.
This AD does not apply to MLG that have a
‘‘B’’ on the end of the serial number.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as an
improperly tightened weight on wheels
(WoW) support resulting in a rotation of the
support and improper WoW switch
performance, which if not corrected could
lead to degraded attitude stabilization, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 27,
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
(1) Within 60 hours time-in-service, modify
the WoW support installation as follows:
(i) Perform a short circuit connection
between pin 26 of connector J343 and pin N
of connector J319.
(ii) Cut the lockwire that locks the WoW
microswitch and disconnect the WoW
microswitch from the WoW support as
depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo Helicopters
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16:32 Sep 21, 2020
Jkt 250001
59413
Alert Service Bulletin No. 169–047, Revision
A, dated February 19, 2018 (ASB 169–047).
(iii) Unscrew the nut and remove the
washer and bolt. Remove from service the
nut and bolt, but replace the washer.
(iv) Remove the WoW support from the
MLG and remove any paint and clean areas
where indicated by Figure 2 in ASB 169–047.
(v) Apply Alodine 1132 on cleaned areas
of WoW support and landing gear strut
leaving a 10 mm wide strip on the WoW
support for structural glue EA934
application.
(vi) Apply a 10 mm wide strip of structural
glue EA934 on the WoW support and install
the WoW support on the MLG using a nut,
bolt, and washer.
(vii) Torque the nut to 2.5 thru 3.5 Nm.
Clean any excess glue and cure the glue on
the structures for one hour at 60 °C/140 °F
or eight days at room temperature (22 °C–
26 °C/71.6 °F–78.8 °F).
(viii) Apply liquid jointing compound
AMS–S–8802 Type 2 Class B, or equivalent,
to the bolt and nut, as depicted in Figure 3
of ASB 169–047 and perform a microswitch
adjustment for correct operation of the
microswitch.
(ix) Mark the MLG nameplate by adding
the letter ‘‘B’’ at the end of the S/N.
(x) Remove the short circuit connection
between pin 26 of connector J343 and pin N
of connector J319 as performed in paragraph
(e)(1)(i) of this AD.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do
not install on any helicopter a LH or RH MLG
assembly with a P/N and S/N listed in
paragraph (a) of this AD unless it has been
modified in accordance with the
requirements of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. 169–047, Revision A, dated
February 19, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters service
information identified in this AD, contact
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, Emanuele
Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.
Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va)
Italy; telephone +39–0331–225074; fax +39–
0331–229046; or at https://
www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
[FR Doc. 2020–20748 Filed 9–21–20; 8:45 am]
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, AD
Program Manager, Continued Operational
Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products
Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft
Unit, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@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.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) No. 2017–0255, dated December 22,
2017. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2020–0258.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3200, Landing Gear System.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Issued on September 9, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0342; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–078–AD; Amendment
39–21242; AD 2020–19–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report of an
erroneous low rotor revolutions per
minute (RPM) indication after
establishing a one engine inoperative
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(OEI) condition. This AD requires a
software (SW) modification for the
aircraft management computer (AMC).
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 27,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of October 27, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 972–641–0000 or 800–232–
0323; fax 972–641–3775; or at https://
www.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. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 817–222–5110. It is also available
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0342.
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:
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 final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117
D–2 helicopters. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on April 28,
2020 (85 FR 23489). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of an erroneous
low rotor RPM indication after
establishing an OEI condition. The
NPRM proposed to require a SW
modification for the AMC. 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.
The European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
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. 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.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
The MCAI provides a 60-day
compliance time for accomplishing the
SW modification. This AD requires
completion of the SW modification
within 50 hours time-in-service.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 30 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
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,
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
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16:32 Sep 21, 2020
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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.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
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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:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(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.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
2020–19–01 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39–
21242; Docket No. FAA–2020–0342;
Product Identifier 2019–SW–078–AD.
(a) Effective Date
(f) Compliance
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
This AD is effective October 27, 2020.
None.
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.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Definitions
(c) Applicability
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
(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.
§ 39.13
(b) Affected ADs
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
59415
(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.
Figure 1 to Paragraphs (g)(l), (h), and (i) -Helicopter Configuration and
Updated SW
Helicopter
Confie;uration
D-2 and D-2m (basic)
Pre-modification
Post-modification/
SW
U oe:raded SW
As of the effective date of this AD, no D-2 and D-2m
(basic) helicopters are known to be in service.
D-2 andD-2m
(Helionix Step 2)
V5.0.1 PIN D462C01S0501
V5.0.2 PIN D462C01S0502
V5.0.2 PIN D462C03S0502
V5.0.3 PIN D462C01S0503
V5.0.3 PIN D462C03S0503
V6.0 PIN D462C01S0600
V6.0 PIN D462C03S0600
(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
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:32 Sep 21, 2020
Jkt 250001
acceptable alternative method of compliance
for the requirements of paragraph (h)(1) of
this AD for that helicopter.
(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.
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
PIN D462C01S0504
PIN D462C01S0504
PIN D462C03S0504
PIN D462C01S0504
PIN D462C03S0504
PIN D462C01S0602
PIN D462C03S0602
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, 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, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5151; email 9-ASW-FTWAMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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.
E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM
22SER1
ER22SE20.037</GPH>
D-2 andD-2m
(Helionix Step 2.0.1)
D-2 andD-2m
(Helionix Step 3)
V5.0.4
V5.0.4
V5.0.4
V5.0.4
V5.0.4
V6.0.2
V6.0.2
59416
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(k) Related Information
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin MBB–BK117 D–2–42A–005,
Revision 3, dated June 6, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
[FR Doc. 2020–20763 Filed 9–21–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:32 Sep 21, 2020
Jkt 250001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0793; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00976–R; Amendment
39–21243; AD 2020–19–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000–22–
19 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus
Helicopters) Model SA330F, G, and J
helicopters. AD 2000–22–19 required
repetitively inspecting certain tail rotor
(T/R) blades for skin debonding and a
crack. Since the FAA issued AD 2000–
22–19, the inspection procedures have
been revised. Additionally, the FAA is
adding an affected part-numbered T/R
blade and the FAA-validation for Model
SA330F and G helicopters has been
cancelled. This new AD revises the
applicability, requires repetitively
inspecting affected T/R blades with the
new inspection procedures, and
depending on the inspection results,
repairing or replacing the T/R blade.
This new AD also prohibits installing an
affected T/R blade unless it has passed
the inspections. The actions of this AD
are intended to address an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
October 7, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of October 7, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by November 6, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
SUMMARY:
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
Issued on September 1, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
Federal Aviation Administration
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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–
0793; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) AD, any service
information that is incorporated by
reference, 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 final rule, contact Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972–641–
0000 or 800–232–0323; fax 972–641–
3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/
helicopters/services/technicalsupport.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. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0793.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Fuller, AD Program Manager, Continued
Operational Safety Branch,
Airworthiness Products Section,
General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–
5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
the FAA did not provide you with
notice and an opportunity to provide
your comments prior to it becoming
effective. However, the FAA invites you
to participate in this rulemaking by
submitting written comments, data, or
views. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the AD,
explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will file in the docket all
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 184 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59413-59416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20763]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0342; Product Identifier 2019-SW-078-AD; Amendment
39-21242; AD 2020-19-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report of an erroneous low rotor revolutions
per minute (RPM) indication after establishing a one engine inoperative
[[Page 59414]]
(OEI) condition. This AD requires a software (SW) modification for the
aircraft management computer (AMC). The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 27, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 27,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at
https://www.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. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-0342.
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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on April 28, 2020 (85 FR 23489). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of an erroneous low rotor RPM indication after
establishing an OEI condition. The NPRM proposed to require a SW
modification for the AMC. 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.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 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. 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.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
The MCAI provides a 60-day compliance time for accomplishing the SW
modification. This AD requires completion of the SW modification within
50 hours time-in-service.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $3,000 $3,085 $92,550
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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:
[[Page 59415]]
(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):
2020-19-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21242;
Docket No. FAA-2020-0342; Product Identifier 2019-SW-078-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 27, 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] TR22SE20.037
(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.
(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, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-
222-5151; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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.
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(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-2-42A-
005, Revision 3, dated June 6, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on September 1, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20763 Filed 9-21-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
