Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 67694-67696 [2020-23446]
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67694
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 207 / Monday, October 26, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Model S–61A, S–61D, S–61E, and S–61V
helicopters, certificated in any category
including restricted, with an arm assembly,
part number S6140–62614–009, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 6720, Tail Rotor Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the
manufacturer determining that there may be
arm assemblies in service with 15,000 or
more hours time-in-service (TIS), which
exceeds the life limit for this component. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent reduced
or loss of tail rotor control. This unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Action
(1) Within 90 days after the effective date
of this AD, review the mixer unit component
log card or equivalent record to determine if
the affected arm assembly is entered with the
appropriate 15,000 hours TIS life limit.
(2) If the affected arm assembly is not
included on the mixer unit component log
card or equivalent record, within 90 days
after the effective date of this AD, add the
arm assembly entry to the mixer unit
component log card or equivalent record and
determine the remaining life of the arm
assembly using the Accomplishment
Instructions, Section 3.A.(3) of Sikorsky S–61
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
61B40–11, Basic Issue, dated March 2, 2020
(‘‘the ASB’’).
(3) If, based on the review required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, the arm
assembly has accumulated 15,000 or more
hours TIS, before further flight, remove the
arm assembly from service. If the hours TIS
for the affected arm assembly cannot be
determined, before further flight, remove the
affected arm assembly from service.
(4) For arm assemblies that have not
accumulated 15,000 or more hours TIS,
thereafter, continue to determine the
remaining life of the arm assembly and
remove the arm assembly from service before
it accumulates 15,000 hours TIS.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for adding the arm
assembly entry to the mixer unit component
log card or equivalent record and
determining the remaining life of the arm
assembly required by paragraphs (g)(1) and
(2) of this AD if you performed these actions
before the effective date of this AD using
Sikorsky S–61 Helicopter ASB 61B General–
1, Revision AA, dated February 24, 2020.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in
Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are subject to the requirements
of paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. Operators who
are prohibited from further flight due to
exceeding the life limit in paragraph (g)(3) of
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this AD, may only perform a maintenance
check or a one-time ferry flight to a location
where the affected arm assembly can be
removed from service. This ferry flight must
be performed with only essential flight crew.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
238–7757; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
neil.doh@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation, 6900 Main Street, P.O. Box
9729, Stratford, CT 06615; phone: 203–386–
4000. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
TX 76177. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 817–222–
5110.
Issued on October 14, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–23466 Filed 10–23–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0967; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–013–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Model MBB–BK117 A–1, MBB–BK117
SUMMARY:
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A–3, MBB–BK117 A–4, MBB–BK117 B–
1, MBB–BK117 B–2, MBB–BK117 C–1,
and MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopters. This
proposed AD would require inspecting
the tail gearbox (TGB) bellcrank
attachment arm (arm) for a crack. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report
of a cracked TGB arm. The actions of
this proposed AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these
products.
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by December 10,
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.
DATES:
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–
0967; 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 proposed
AD, the European Aviation Safety
Agency (now 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 service information identified in
this proposed 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 207 / Monday, October 26, 2020 / Proposed Rules
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–0967; Product Identifier
2018–SW–013–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
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 post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposal.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety
Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5110; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2018–
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:11 Oct 23, 2020
Jkt 253001
0046, dated February 19, 2018, to
correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
(formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH, Eurocopter Hubschrauber
GmbH, Messerschmitt-Bo¨lkow-Blohm
GmbH), Airbus Helicopters Inc.
(formerly American Eurocopter LLC)
Model MBB–BK117 A–1, MBB–BK117
A–3, MBB–BK117 A–4, MBB–BK117 B–
1, MBB–BK117 B–2, MBB–BK117 C–1,
and MBB–BK117 C–2 helicopters. The
EASA AD advises that a crack was
detected on a Model MBB–BK117 A–4
TGB arm and that this condition, if not
corrected, could result in disconnection
of the arm from the TGB and possible
loss of control of the helicopter. To
address this unsafe condition, the EASA
AD requires an inspection of the TGB
arm for a crack and for surface
anomalies.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that an unsafe condition is
likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–
BK117 C–2–65A–008 for Model MBB–
BK117 C–2 helicopters and ASB MBB–
BK117–30A–120 for Model MBB–BK117
A–1, MBB–BK117 A–3, MBB–BK117 A–
4, MBB–BK117 B–1, MBB–BK117 B–2,
and MBB–BK117 C–1 helicopters, each
Revision 0 and dated January 31, 2018.
The service information contains
procedures for inspecting the TGB arm
for a crack and surface anomalies.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require the
following:
• Within 100 hours time-in-service,
removing the surface coating from the
TGB bellcrank attachment arm and
using a 5X or higher power magnifying
glass, dye-penetrant inspecting the TGB
arm for a crack and for any dent, nick,
and scratch.
• If there is a crack, before further
flight, replacing the TGB.
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67695
• If there is a dent, nick, or scratch,
before further flight, removing the
surface material up to 0.2 mm using 80grit abrasive paper and repeating the
dye penetrant inspection. If there is a
crack or if the damage cannot be
removed, before further flight, replacing
the TGB.
• If there is no crack and no dent,
nick, or scratch, before further flight,
finishing the surface with 600-grit or
finer abrasive paper.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires operators to
contact Airbus Helicopters if there is a
crack or if there is damage that cannot
be repaired by removing surface
material. This proposed AD would
require replacing the TGB instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD would affect 177 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these
numbers, the FAA estimates that
operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this proposed
AD.
Removing the surface protection and
inspecting the TGB arm for a crack
would take about 2 work-hours and the
cost of materials would be minimal, for
an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter
and $30,090 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, reworking the TGB arm
would take about 1 work-hour and the
cost of materials would be minimal, for
an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
Replacing a TGB with a cracked arm
would take about 4.5 work-hours and
cost about $69,000 for required parts, for
an estimated cost of $69,383 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 207 / Monday, October 26, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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, 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
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:
■
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:
Docket No. FAA–2020–0967; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–013–AD.
(d) Compliance
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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:
(1) Remove the surface coating from the
TGB bellcrank attachment arm and using a
5X or higher power magnifying glass, dyepenetrant inspect the TGB arm for a crack
and for any dent, nick, and scratch in the
area shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) MBB–BK117 C–
2–65A–008 or ASB MBB–BK117–30A–120,
each Revision 0 and dated January 31, 2018,
as applicable to your model helicopter.
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight,
replace the TGB.
(3) If there is a dent, a nick, or a scratch,
before further flight, remove the surface
material up to 0.2 mm using 80-grit abrasive
paper and repeat the dye penetrant
inspection. If there is a crack or if the damage
cannot be removed, before further flight,
replace the TGB.
(4) If there is no crack and no dent, nick,
or scratch, before further flight, finish the
surface with 600-grit or finer abrasive paper.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
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.
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies
to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Model MBB–BK117 A–1, MBB–BK117 A–3,
MBB–BK117 A–4, MBB–BK117 B–1, MBB–
BK117 B–2, MBB–BK117 C–1, and MBB–
BK117 C–2 helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(h) Additional Information
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in a tail gearbox (TGB) bellcrank
attachment arm. This condition could result
in disconnection of the bellcrank attachment
arm from the TGB and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(i) Subject
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
December 10, 2020.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:11 Oct 23, 2020
Jkt 253001
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD No. 2018–0046, dated February
19, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the
AD Docket.
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox.
Issued on October 19, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–23446 Filed 10–23–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0969; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00853–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
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 SAS Model A350–941 and –1041
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report that certain
retaining rings could cause damage to
frame forks, brackets and edge frames,
and their surface protection; subsequent
investigation showed that the depth of
the frame fork spotfacing on structural
parts is inadequate to accommodate the
retaining ring. This proposed AD would
require repetitive inspections of certain
areas of each cargo door for damage and
corrective action. This proposed AD
would also provide an optional
terminating modification, as specified in
a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which will be
incorporated by reference. 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 December 10,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For material that will be incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 8999 000; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
IBR material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 207 (Monday, October 26, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67694-67696]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-23446]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0967; Product Identifier 2018-SW-013-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 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117
A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1, and
MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting
the tail gearbox (TGB) bellcrank attachment arm (arm) for a crack. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of a cracked TGB arm. The actions
of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by December
10, 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.
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-
0967; 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 proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 service information identified in this proposed 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 the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
[[Page 67695]]
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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0967; Product Identifier
2018-SW-013-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
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 post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposal.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to David
Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected]. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2018-0046, dated February 19,
2018, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH, Eurocopter
Hubschrauber GmbH, Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm GmbH), Airbus
Helicopters Inc. (formerly American Eurocopter LLC) Model MBB-BK117 A-
1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-
BK117 C-1, and MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters. The EASA AD advises that a
crack was detected on a Model MBB-BK117 A-4 TGB arm and that this
condition, if not corrected, could result in disconnection of the arm
from the TGB and possible loss of control of the helicopter. To address
this unsafe condition, the EASA AD requires an inspection of the TGB
arm for a crack and for surface anomalies.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the
same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
MBB-BK117 C-2-65A-008 for Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters and ASB MBB-
BK117-30A-120 for Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4,
MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, and MBB-BK117 C-1 helicopters, each
Revision 0 and dated January 31, 2018. The service information contains
procedures for inspecting the TGB arm for a crack and surface
anomalies.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require the following:
Within 100 hours time-in-service, removing the surface
coating from the TGB bellcrank attachment arm and using a 5X or higher
power magnifying glass, dye-penetrant inspecting the TGB arm for a
crack and for any dent, nick, and scratch.
If there is a crack, before further flight, replacing the
TGB.
If there is a dent, nick, or scratch, before further
flight, removing the surface material up to 0.2 mm using 80-grit
abrasive paper and repeating the dye penetrant inspection. If there is
a crack or if the damage cannot be removed, before further flight,
replacing the TGB.
If there is no crack and no dent, nick, or scratch, before
further flight, finishing the surface with 600-grit or finer abrasive
paper.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires operators to contact Airbus Helicopters if
there is a crack or if there is damage that cannot be repaired by
removing surface material. This proposed AD would require replacing the
TGB instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 177
helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may
incur the following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD.
Removing the surface protection and inspecting the TGB arm for a
crack would take about 2 work-hours and the cost of materials would be
minimal, for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $30,090 for
the U.S. fleet.
If required, reworking the TGB arm would take about 1 work-hour and
the cost of materials would be minimal, for an estimated cost of $85
per helicopter. Replacing a TGB with a cracked arm would take about 4.5
work-hours and cost about $69,000 for required parts, for an estimated
cost of $69,383 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
[[Page 67696]]
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, 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:
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2020-0967;
Product Identifier 2018-SW-013-AD.
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4,
MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2, MBB-BK117 C-1, and MBB-BK117 C-2
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a tail
gearbox (TGB) bellcrank attachment arm. This condition could result
in disconnection of the bellcrank attachment arm from the TGB and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by December 10, 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:
(1) Remove the surface coating from the TGB bellcrank attachment
arm and using a 5X or higher power magnifying glass, dye-penetrant
inspect the TGB arm for a crack and for any dent, nick, and scratch
in the area shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) MBB-BK117 C-2-65A-008 or ASB MBB-BK117-30A-120, each
Revision 0 and dated January 31, 2018, as applicable to your model
helicopter.
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the TGB.
(3) If there is a dent, a nick, or a scratch, before further
flight, remove the surface material up to 0.2 mm using 80-grit
abrasive paper and repeat the dye penetrant inspection. If there is
a crack or if the damage cannot be removed, before further flight,
replace the TGB.
(4) If there is no crack and no dent, nick, or scratch, before
further flight, finish the surface with 600-grit or finer abrasive
paper.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, 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, 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
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD No.
2018-0046, dated February 19, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor
Gearbox.
Issued on October 19, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-23446 Filed 10-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
