Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters, 12294-12296 [2021-03955]
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12294
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 40 / Wednesday, March 3, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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during trade negotiations. Minimal
program participation can lead trading
partners to question APHIS’ ability to
certify exported products as trichinaefree, even though certification is not a
requirement for U.S. pork exportation.
Preserving APHIS’ credibility is
crucial in supporting the U.S. pork
industry and its exports, which have
increased substantially in recent years.
Since 2007, U.S. pork exports have more
than doubled in value (110 percent
increase) and in quantity (109 percent
increase).
The Small Business Administration
(SBA) small business size standard for
hog and pig farming is annual revenue
of not more than $1 million. According
to the 2017 Agricultural Census, 64,871
hog and pig farms sold over 235 million
hogs and pigs with total sales of $26.3
billion in 2017. Average annual sales
per farm was 3,267 head valued at
$404,907, well below the SBA smallentity standard.
When the census data are divided into
two categories—the largest producers,
with 5,000 or more hogs and pigs sold,
and the remaining farms—the
prevalence of small-scale producers
becomes clear. Farms with fewer than
5,000 hogs and pigs sold accounted for
57,084 farms (88 percent of the total).
However, the number and value of hogs
and pigs sold by these farms, 15,157,702
head valued at $2.4 billion, represent
only 6 percent and 9 percent,
respectively, of total sales. The average
number and value of hogs and pigs sold
per farm in 2017 by these smaller farms
was 266 head valued at $42,078.
Clearly, hog and pig farms are
predominantly small.
Because the Voluntary Trichinae
Certification Program did not progress
beyond the pilot stage, the participating
producers have not borne program costs.
Under these circumstances, the
Administrator of the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service has
determined that this action would not
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
Executive Order 12372
This program/activity is listed in the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
under No. 10.025 and is subject to
Executive Order 12372, which requires
intergovernmental consultation with
State and local officials. (See 2 CFR
chapter IV.)
Executive Order 12988
This proposed rule has been reviewed
under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. If this proposed rule is
adopted: (1) State and local laws and
regulations will not be preempted; (2)
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no retroactive effect will be given to this
rule; and (3) administrative proceedings
will not be required before parties may
file suit in court challenging this rule.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed rule contains no new
information collection or recordkeeping
requirements under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.) and will reduce those currently
approved by the Office of Management
and Budget under control number 0579–
0323.
List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 149
Animal diseases, Laboratories, Meat
and meat products, Meat inspection,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Swine.
Accordingly, for the reasons stated in
the preamble, and under the authority of
7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq., the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service is
proposing to amend 9 CFR chapter I by
removing part 149.
Done in Washington, DC, this 18th day of
February, 2021.
Michael Watson,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03772 Filed 3–2–21; 8:45 am]
Examining the AD Docket
BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0126; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00266–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
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
(AHD) Model MBB–BK 117 D–2
helicopters. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report of a broken
Titanium (Ti) bolt. This proposed AD
would require removing certain Ti-bolts
from service and prohibit installing
these Ti-bolts in a critical area. 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 April 19, 2021.
SUMMARY:
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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–
0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address 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 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 information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
ADDRESSES:
Sfmt 4702
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0126; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
NPRM, the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Fuller, AD Program Manager, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@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–2021–0126; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–00266–R’’ 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 40 / Wednesday, March 3, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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 NPRM.
failure of an affected Ti-bolt installed in
a critical location, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires a
one-time inspection for Ti-bolt part
number (P/N) EN3740–060022F marked
with manufacturer monogram ‘‘D’’ or
with an illegible manufacturer
monogram installed on the aft
connection of the tail rotor ball bearing
control (ball bearing control) and,
depending on findings, contacting AHD
for corrective action. The EASA AD also
prohibits the (re)installation of these Tibolts.
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 Matt Fuller, AD
Program Manager, General Aviation &
Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–
5110; email matthew.fuller@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.
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
helicopters of the same type design.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019–
0258, dated October 18, 2019, to correct
an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD),
formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH, Model MBB–BK117 D–2
helicopters. EASA advises of a report of
a broken Ti-bolt. Subsequent
investigation revealed that an improper
heat treatment process was
accomplished on a batch of Ti-bolts,
which can lead to hydrogen
embrittlement. Hydrogen embrittlement
can make high-strength bolts susceptible
to stress corrosion, pitting, and failure.
EASA states that this condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to
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Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB
MBB–BK117 D–2–00A–001, Revision 1,
dated October 16, 2019 (ASB MBB–
BK117 D–2–00A–001 Rev 1), which
specifies replacing each Ti-bolt P/N
EN3740–060022F that is marked with
manufacturer monogram ‘‘D’’ or if the
manufacturer monogram cannot be
identified with an airworthy Ti-bolt in
both locations of the aft connection of
ball bearing control and both HF
antenna bracket locations.
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
removing any Ti-bolt P/N EN3740–
060022F marked with manufacturer
monogram ‘‘D’’ or with an illegible
manufacturer monogram installed on
the aft connection of the ball bearing
control from service. This proposed AD
would also prohibit installing an
affected Ti-bolt on the aft connection of
the ball bearing control of any
helicopter.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model
MBB–BK117 D–2 helicopters and
requires inspecting for Ti-bolt P/N
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EN3740–060022F marked with
manufacturer monogram ‘‘D’’ or with an
illegible manufacturer monogram
installed on the aft connection of the
ball bearing control. This proposed AD
applies to Model MBB–BK 117 D–2
helicopters with a Ti-bolt P/N EN3740–
060022F marked with manufacturer
monogram ‘‘D’’ or with an illegible
manufacturer monogram installed on
the aft connection of the ball bearing
control instead. The EASA AD requires
contacting AHD for approved
instructions if an affected Ti-bolt is
found, whereas this proposed AD would
require removing an affected Ti-bolt
from service instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD if
adopted as proposed, would affect 29
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.
Replacing a Ti-bolt would take about
2 work-hours and parts would cost
about $100 for an estimated cost of $270
per Ti-bolt.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 40 / Wednesday, March 3, 2021 / Proposed Rules
For the reasons discussed, I certify
this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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
(AHD): Docket No. FAA–2021–0126;
Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00266–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by April 19,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies
to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with a Titanium
(Ti) bolt part number EN3740–060022F
marked with manufacturer monogram ‘‘D’’ or
with an illegible manufacturer monogram,
installed on the aft connection of the tail
rotor ball bearing control.
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(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Codes: 1430, Fasteners; and 6720, Tail Rotor
Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
Ti-bolt with hydrogen embrittlement. This
condition could result in failure of the tail
rotor ball bearing control Ti-bolt and
subsequent loss of tail rotor control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Required Actions
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service or 3
months, whichever occurs first, remove any
Ti-bolt identified in paragraph (c) of this AD,
located on the aft connection of the tail rotor
ball bearing rod end (item 5) and at the input
lever (item 2) as shown in Figure 1 to Airbus
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
ASB MBB–BK117 D–2–00A–001, Revision 1,
dated October 16, 2019, from service.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install a Ti-bolt identified in paragraph
(c) of this AD on the aft connection of the tail
rotor ball bearing control of any helicopter.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Strategic Policy
Rotorcraft Section, 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 (i)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ASW-FTWAMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–
5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
(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 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 information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD No. 2019–0258, dated October
18, 2019. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the
AD Docket.
Issued on February 22, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives
Compliance & Airworthiness Directive,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03955 Filed 3–2–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Drug Enforcement Administration
21 CFR Part 1308
[Docket No. DEA–476]
Schedules of Controlled Substances:
Placement of 10 Specific FentanylRelated Substances in Schedule I
Drug Enforcement
Administration, Department of Justice.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The Drug Enforcement
Administration proposes placing N-(1(2-fluorophenethyl)piperidin-4-yl)-N-(2fluorophenyl)propionamide (2′-fluoro
ortho-fluorofentanyl), N-(1-(4methylphenethyl)piperidin-4-yl)-Nphenylacetamide (4′-methyl acetyl
fentanyl), N-(1-phenethylpiperidin-4yl)-N,3-diphenylpropanamide (b′phenyl fentanyl; 3-phenylpropanoyl
fentanyl), N-phenyl-N-(1-(2phenylpropyl)piperidin-4yl)propionamide (b-methyl fentanyl), N(2-fluorophenyl)-N-(1phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)butyramide
(ortho-fluorobutyryl fentanyl; 2fluorobutyryl fentanyl), N-(2methylphenyl)-N-(1phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)acetamide
(ortho-methyl acetylfentanyl; 2-methyl
acetylfentanyl), 2-methoxy-N-(2methylphenyl)-N-(1phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)acetamide
(ortho-methyl methoxyacetylfentanyl),
N-(4-methylphenyl)-N-(1phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)propionamide
(para-methylfentanyl; 4methylfentanyl), N-(1phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-Nphenylbenzamide (phenyl fentanyl;
benzoyl fentanyl), N-(1phenethylpiperidin-4-yl)-Nphenylthiophene-2-carboxamide
(thiofuranyl fentanyl), including their
isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of
isomers, esters, and ethers, in schedule
I of the Controlled Substances Act.
These ten specific substances fall within
the definition of fentanyl-related
substances set forth in the February 6,
2018, temporary scheduling order.
Through the Temporary Reauthorization
and Study of the Emergency Scheduling
of Fentanyl Analogues Act, which
became law on February 6, 2020,
Congress extended the temporary
control of fentanyl-related substances
until May 6, 2021. If finalized, this
action would make permanent the
existing regulatory controls and
administrative, civil, and criminal
sanctions applicable to schedule I
controlled substances on persons who
handle (manufacture, distribute, reverse
SUMMARY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 3, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12294-12296]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03955]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0126; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00266-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) 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 (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a broken
Titanium (Ti) bolt. This proposed AD would require removing certain Ti-
bolts from service and prohibit installing these Ti-bolts in a critical
area. 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 April 19,
2021.
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 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address 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 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 information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0126; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed
above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0126; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-00266-R'' 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
[[Page 12295]]
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 NPRM.
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 Matt
Fuller, AD Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2019-0258, dated October 18,
2019, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH (AHD), formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH, Model MBB-BK117 D-2
helicopters. EASA advises of a report of a broken Ti-bolt. Subsequent
investigation revealed that an improper heat treatment process was
accomplished on a batch of Ti-bolts, which can lead to hydrogen
embrittlement. Hydrogen embrittlement can make high-strength bolts
susceptible to stress corrosion, pitting, and failure.
EASA states that this condition, if not detected and corrected,
could lead to failure of an affected Ti-bolt installed in a critical
location, possibly resulting in reduced control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires a one-time inspection for Ti-bolt
part number (P/N) EN3740-060022F marked with manufacturer monogram
``D'' or with an illegible manufacturer monogram installed on the aft
connection of the tail rotor ball bearing control (ball bearing
control) and, depending on findings, contacting AHD for corrective
action. The EASA AD also prohibits the (re)installation of these Ti-
bolts.
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 helicopters of
the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-00A-001, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2019 (ASB
MBB-BK117 D-2-00A-001 Rev 1), which specifies replacing each Ti-bolt P/
N EN3740-060022F that is marked with manufacturer monogram ``D'' or if
the manufacturer monogram cannot be identified with an airworthy Ti-
bolt in both locations of the aft connection of ball bearing control
and both HF antenna bracket locations.
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 removing any Ti-bolt P/N EN3740-
060022F marked with manufacturer monogram ``D'' or with an illegible
manufacturer monogram installed on the aft connection of the ball
bearing control from service. This proposed AD would also prohibit
installing an affected Ti-bolt on the aft connection of the ball
bearing control of any helicopter.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters and requires
inspecting for Ti-bolt P/N EN3740-060022F marked with manufacturer
monogram ``D'' or with an illegible manufacturer monogram installed on
the aft connection of the ball bearing control. This proposed AD
applies to Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters with a Ti-bolt P/N EN3740-
060022F marked with manufacturer monogram ``D'' or with an illegible
manufacturer monogram installed on the aft connection of the ball
bearing control instead. The EASA AD requires contacting AHD for
approved instructions if an affected Ti-bolt is found, whereas this
proposed AD would require removing an affected Ti-bolt from service
instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD if adopted as proposed, would affect
29 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.
Replacing a Ti-bolt would take about 2 work-hours and parts would
cost about $100 for an estimated cost of $270 per Ti-bolt.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
[[Page 12296]]
For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 (AHD): Docket No. FAA-2021-0126;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00266-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 19, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with a Titanium (Ti) bolt part number
EN3740-060022F marked with manufacturer monogram ``D'' or with an
illegible manufacturer monogram, installed on the aft connection of
the tail rotor ball bearing control.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Codes: 1430, Fasteners;
and 6720, Tail Rotor Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a Ti-bolt with hydrogen
embrittlement. This condition could result in failure of the tail
rotor ball bearing control Ti-bolt and subsequent loss of tail rotor
control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service or 3 months, whichever
occurs first, remove any Ti-bolt identified in paragraph (c) of this
AD, located on the aft connection of the tail rotor ball bearing rod
end (item 5) and at the input lever (item 2) as shown in Figure 1 to
Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB MBB-BK117 D-
2-00A-001, Revision 1, dated October 16, 2019, from service.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a Ti-
bolt identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on the aft connection of
the tail rotor ball bearing control of any helicopter.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 (i)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Matt Fuller, AD
Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(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 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 information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-
5110.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2019-0258, dated October 18,
2019. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
Issued on February 22, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives Compliance & Airworthiness
Directive, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03955 Filed 3-2-21; 8:45 am]
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