Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category Helicopters, 16126-16130 [2021-05561]
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16126
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 57 / Friday, March 26, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(h) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106;
phone: (816) 329–4059; fax: (816) 329–4090;
email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2020–0194,
dated September 8, 2020, for more
information. You may examine the EASA AD
in the AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating it in Docket No. FAA–2020–1074.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., CH–
6371, Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 848 24
7 365; email: techsupport.ch@pilatusaircraft.com; website: https://www.pilatusaircraft.com/. You may review this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO
64106. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
Issued on March 17, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–05944 Filed 3–25–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0189; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00645–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various
Restricted Category Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
type certificated Model UH–1H
restricted category helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by multiple
reports of failure of the main driveshaft.
This proposed AD would require
establishing a life limit for certain main
driveshafts, and a one-time and
repetitive inspections of the main
driveshafts. 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 May 10, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
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SUMMARY:
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• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Army Publishing
Directorate, 9301 Chapek Rd., Bldg
1458, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060–5447;
telephone (703) 614–3727; email
usarmy.pentagon.hqdaapd.mbx.customer-service@mail.mil; or
at https://armypubs.army.mil/.
You may also contact the following as
applicable:
Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc., 2081 S
Wildcat Way, Porterville, CA 93257;
telephone (559) 781–8604; fax (559)
781–9271; email afe@arrowfalcon.com.
Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.,
P.O. Box 180681, Arlington, Texas
76096; telephone (817) 557–3391; email
ghti@ghti.net.
Hagglund Helicopters, LLC, 5101 NW
A Avenue, Pendleton, OR 97801;
telephone (800) 882–3554 or (541) 276–
3554; fax (541) 276–1597.
JASPP Engineering Services, LLC.,
511 Harmon Terrace, Arlington, TX
76010; telephone (817) 465–4495; or at
www.jjaspp.com.
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC, 1000 85th
Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501; telephone
(360) 754–7200; or at
www.nwhelicopters.com.
Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., P.O.
Box 898, Lakeside, AZ 85929; telephone
(928) 368–6965; fax (928) 368–6962.
Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc., 1181
Osprey Nest Point, Orange Park, FL
32073; (904) 472–1481; email
Glenn7444@msn.com.
Rotorcraft Development Corporation,
P.O. Box 430, Corvallis, MT 59828;
telephone (207) 329–2518; email
administration@
rotorcraftdevelopment.com.
Southwest Florida Aviation
International, Inc., 28000–A9 Airport
Road, Bldg. 101, Punta Gorda, FL
33982–9587; telephone (941) 637–1161;
fax (941) 637–6264; email info@
swfateam.org.
Tamarack Helicopters, Inc., 2849
McIntyre Rd., Stevensville, MT 59870;
telephone (406) 777–0144; or at
www.tamarackhelicopters.com.
You may view this service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
PO 00000
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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–2021–0189; 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, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Matthew L. Thompson, Aerospace
Engineer, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5251; email
matthew.l.thompson@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–2021–0189; Project Identifier AD–
2020–00645–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
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 57 / Friday, March 26, 2021 / Proposed Rules
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Matthew L.
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, DSCO
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817)
222–5251; email matthew.l.thompson@
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.
Background
The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD
for type certificated Model UH–1H
restricted category helicopters. The type
certificate holders for these helicopters
include but are not limited to Arrow
Falcon Exporters Inc.; Global Helicopter
Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters,
LLC; JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC.;
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas
Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards
Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft
Development Corporation; Southwest
Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and
Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.
This proposed AD was prompted by
multiple reports of failure of a main
driveshaft. This proposed AD would
require establishing a life limit for
certain part-numbered main driveshafts,
removing and inspecting the main
driveshaft, inspecting the alignment of
the main driveshaft installation, and
repetitive inspections of the main
driveshaft. As an optional terminating
action, this AD allows the installation of
a certain part-numbered main driveshaft
not affected by this unsafe condition.
This condition, if not addressed, could
result in loss of engine power to the
transmission and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
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FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously 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 Headquarters,
Department of the Army, Aviation Unit
and Intermediate Maintenance
Instructions Army Model UH–1H/V/
EH–1H/X Helicopters, Technical
Manual TM 55–1520–210–23–1, Change
No. 42, dated April 14, 2003. This
service information contains main
driveshaft assembly figures and
specifies procedures for the main
driveshaft disassembly, cleaning,
inspecting, repairing, lubricating and
assembly, installing, and inspecting and
correction of its alignment.
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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 ADDRESSES.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require,
before further flight after the effective
date of this AD, establishing a life limit
of 5,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) for
KAflex main driveshaft part number
(P/N) SKCP2180–1, SKCP2281–1,
SKCP2281–1R, and SKCP2281–103.
This proposed AD would also require,
within 25 hours TIS after the effective
date of this AD, removing the main
driveshaft and inspecting the main
driveshaft for any broken, loose, or
missing hardware; each flex frame and
mount bolt torque stripe for movement;
each joint for fretting corrosion; the
main driveshaft for damage; and the
alignment of the main driveshaft, and if
required, adjusting the alignment. This
proposed AD would then require, at
intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS,
repeating the inspections with the main
driveshaft installed.
As an optional terminating action,
this proposed AD would allow
installing KAflex main driveshaft P/N
SKCP3303–1.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 384
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.
Determining the total hours TIS of the
main driveshaft would take about 0.5
work-hour for an estimated cost of about
$43 per helicopter and $16,512 for the
U.S. fleet. Removing and inspecting the
main driveshaft would take about 4
work-hours for an estimated cost of
$340 per helicopter and $130,560 for the
U.S. fleet. Inspecting the installed main
driveshaft would take about 1 workhour for an estimated cost of about $85
per helicopter and $32,640 for the U.S.
fleet, per inspection cycle. Inspecting
the alignment of the main driveshaft
installation would take about 2 workhours for an estimated cost of $170 per
helicopter and $65,280 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, adjusting the alignment
would take about 0.5 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $43 per instance.
Replacing a main driveshaft would take
about 1 work-hour and parts would cost
about $54,000, for an estimated cost of
$54,085 per replacement.
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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
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) 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.
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§ 39.13
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 57 / Friday, March 26, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(d) Subject
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code: 6310, Engine/Transmission Coupling.
Various Restricted Category Helicopters:
Docket No. FAA–2021–0189; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00645–R.
This AD was prompted by multiple reports
of failure of the main driveshaft. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of engine power to the transmission and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
■
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by May 10,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to restricted category
Model UH–1H helicopters; current type
certificate holders include but are not limited
to Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc.; Global
Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund
Helicopters, LLC; JJASPP Engineering
Services, LLC.; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC;
Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards
Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development
Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation
International, Inc.; and Tamarack
Helicopters, Inc., with KAflex main
driveshaft part number (P/N) SKCP2180–1,
SKCP2281–1, SKCP2281–1R, or SKCP2281–
103 installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with
an SW205 designation are Southwest Florida
Aviation International, Inc., Model UH–1H
helicopters.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
None.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(e) Unsafe Condition
16:46 Mar 25, 2021
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(1) Before further flight after the effective
date of this AD, determine the total hours
time-in-service (TIS) of the main driveshaft.
(i) If the main driveshaft has accumulated
less than 5,000 total hours TIS, before
exceeding 5,000 total hours TIS, remove the
main driveshaft from service.
(ii) If the main driveshaft has accumulated
5,000 or more total hours TIS, before further
flight, remove the main driveshaft from
service.
(2) Thereafter following paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, remove the main driveshaft from
service before accumulating 5,000 total hours
TIS.
(3) Within 25 hours TIS after the effective
date of this AD, remove main driveshaft P/
N SKCP2180–1, SKCP2281–1, SKCP2281–1R,
or SKCP2281–103 by following 6–24.3.
Removal—Main Driveshaft P/N SKCP2281–
103, of Headquarters, Department of the
Army, Aviation Unit and Intermediate
Maintenance Instructions Army Model UH–
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1H/V/EH–1H/X Helicopters, Technical
Manual TM 55–1520–210–23–1, Change No.
42, dated April 14, 2003 (TM 55–1520–210–
23–1) and:
(i) Inspect for any broken, loose, or missing
hardware. If there is broken or loose
hardware, before further flight, remove the
driveshaft from service. If there is missing
hardware, before further flight, replace the
driveshaft.
(ii) Visually inspect each flex frame and
mount bolt torque stripe (red or yellow) for
movement. If there is any torque stripe
movement, before further flight, replace the
driveshaft.
(iii) Visually inspect each joint for fretting
corrosion, which may be indicated by red
metallic particles. If there is any grease, oil,
or dirt covering a joint, clean the area and
visually inspect again. If there is any fretting
corrosion, before further flight, replace the
driveshaft.
(iv) Inspect the main driveshaft for
mechanical damage, corrosion, an edge dent,
and nick as shown in Figure 1 to paragraph
(g)(3)(iv) of this AD. For the purposes of this
inspection, mechanical damage may be
indicated by a crack, scratch, or wear; and
corrosion may be indicated by corrosion or
pitting. If there is a scratch, wear, corrosion,
pitting, an edge dent, or a nick within
allowable limits, before further flight, repair
the main driveshaft in accordance with FAAapproved procedures. If there is a crack, or
a scratch, wear, corrosion, pitting, an edge
dent, or a nick that exceeds allowable limits,
before further flight, replace the driveshaft.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 57 / Friday, March 26, 2021 / Proposed Rules
16129
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1. No cracks are permitted
2. Repairs must be no less than 1.000 inch apart.
3. Repairs not to be within 0.500 inches of bolt hole.
4. Faying surfaces must be free of any raised metal areas.
5. All repairs to be smooth at maximum depth and smoothly blended with surrounding surface.
6. Exposed bare metal may be touched up with Sermetel Product 1122 or 196. Zinc Chromate,
primer color T, even though it does not blend cosmetically with Sermetel coating, can be used if
Sermetel touch-up products are unavailable.
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Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(3)(iv) - Damage Limits
BILLING CODE 4910–13–C
(4) Before installing the main driveshaft
following paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, and
with the engine adapter installed in the end
of the engine output shaft, inspect the
alignment of the main driveshaft installation
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16:46 Mar 25, 2021
Jkt 253001
between the transmission input drive quill
coupling and the engine output shaft adapter
by following 6–24. Alignment—Main
Driveshaft, paragraphs c. through g., of TM
55–1520–210–23–1. If there is misalignment,
before further flight, adjust the alignment by
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following 6–24. Alignment—Main Driveshaft,
paragraphs h. through j., of TM 55–1520–
210–23–1.
(5) Within 300 hours TIS after the effective
date of this AD, and thereafter within
intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, with
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EP26MR21.000</GPH>
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7. Sides and comers of flex frames are to be treated a:s
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 57 / Friday, March 26, 2021 / Proposed Rules
the main driveshaft installed, accomplish the
actions in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) through (iv) of
this AD.
(6) As an optional terminating action for
the requirements of this AD, you may install
KAflex main driveshaft P/N SKCP3303–1.
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(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, DSCO 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 Related Information.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ASW-190COS@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 Matthew L. Thompson, Aerospace
Engineer, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5251; email
matthew.l.thompson@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Army Publishing
Directorate, 9301 Chapek Rd., Bldg 1458, Fort
Belvoir, VA 22060–5447; telephone (703)
614–3727; email usarmy.pentagon.hqdaapd.mbx.customer-service@mail.mil; or at
https://armypubs.army.mil/. You may view
the service information identified in this AD
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.
You may also contact the following, as
applicable:
(i) Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc., 2081 S
Wildcat Way, Porterville, CA 93257;
telephone (559) 781–8604; fax (559) 781–
9271; email afe@arrowfalcon.com.
(ii) Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.,
P.O. Box 180681, Arlington, Texas 76096;
telephone (817) 557–3391; email ghti@
ghti.net.
(iii) Hagglund Helicopters, LLC, 5101 NW
A Avenue, Pendleton, OR 97801; telephone
(800) 882–3554 or (541) 276–3554; fax (541)
276–1597.
(iv) JASPP Engineering Services, LLC., 511
Harmon Terrace, Arlington, TX 76010;
telephone (817) 465–4495; or at
www.jjaspp.com.
(v) Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC, 1000 85th
Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501; telephone
(360) 754–7200; or at
www.nwhelicopters.com.
(vi) Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., P.O.
Box 898, Lakeside, AZ 85929; telephone
(928) 368–6965; fax (928) 368–6962.
(vii) Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc., 1181
Osprey Nest Point, Orange Park, FL 32073;
(904) 472–1481; email Glenn7444@msn.com.
(viii) Rotorcraft Development Corporation,
P.O. Box 430, Corvallis, MT 59828; telephone
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16:46 Mar 25, 2021
Jkt 253001
(207) 329–2518; email administration@
rotorcraftdevelopment.com.
(ix) Southwest Florida Aviation
International, Inc., 28000–A9 Airport Road,
Bldg. 101, Punta Gorda, FL 33982–9587;
telephone (941) 637–1161; fax (941) 637–
6264; email info@swfateam.org.
(x) Tamarack Helicopters, Inc., 2849
McIntyre Rd., Stevensville, MT 59870;
telephone (406) 777–0144; or at
www.tamarackhelicopters.com.
Issued on March 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–05561 Filed 3–25–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0192; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01580–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
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
certain Airbus SAS (Airbus) Model
A318 series airplanes; Model A319–111,
–112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132,
–133, –151N, and –153N airplanes;
Model A320 series airplanes; and Model
A321 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by a determination
that new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations are necessary.
This proposed AD would require
revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or more restrictive
airworthiness limitations, as specified
in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed
for incorporation 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 May 10, 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–
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 4702
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
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 view this IBR material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0192.
Sfmt 4702
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0192; 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, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3223; email
sanjay.ralhan@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–2021–0192; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01580–T’’ 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 the 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
E:\FR\FM\26MRP1.SGM
26MRP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 57 (Friday, March 26, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16126-16130]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05561]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0189; Project Identifier AD-2020-00645-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category 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 type certificated Model UH-1H restricted category helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of failure of the main
driveshaft. This proposed AD would require establishing a life limit
for certain main driveshafts, and a one-time and repetitive inspections
of the main driveshafts. 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 May 10,
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.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Army
Publishing Directorate, 9301 Chapek Rd., Bldg 1458, Fort Belvoir, VA
22060-5447; telephone (703) 614-3727; email [email protected]; or at https://armypubs.army.mil/.
You may also contact the following as applicable:
Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc., 2081 S Wildcat Way, Porterville, CA
93257; telephone (559) 781-8604; fax (559) 781-9271; email
[email protected].
Global Helicopter Technology, Inc., P.O. Box 180681, Arlington,
Texas 76096; telephone (817) 557-3391; email [email protected].
Hagglund Helicopters, LLC, 5101 NW A Avenue, Pendleton, OR 97801;
telephone (800) 882-3554 or (541) 276-3554; fax (541) 276-1597.
JASPP Engineering Services, LLC., 511 Harmon Terrace, Arlington, TX
76010; telephone (817) 465-4495; or at www.jjaspp.com.
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC, 1000 85th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501;
telephone (360) 754-7200; or at www.nwhelicopters.com.
Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., P.O. Box 898, Lakeside, AZ 85929;
telephone (928) 368-6965; fax (928) 368-6962.
Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc., 1181 Osprey Nest Point, Orange Park,
FL 32073; (904) 472-1481; email [email protected].
Rotorcraft Development Corporation, P.O. Box 430, Corvallis, MT
59828; telephone (207) 329-2518; email
[email protected].
Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., 28000-A9 Airport
Road, Bldg. 101, Punta Gorda, FL 33982-9587; telephone (941) 637-1161;
fax (941) 637-6264; email [email protected].
Tamarack Helicopters, Inc., 2849 McIntyre Rd., Stevensville, MT
59870; telephone (406) 777-0144; or at www.tamarackhelicopters.com.
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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0189; 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, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew L. Thompson, Aerospace
Engineer, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222-5251; 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-2021-0189; Project Identifier
AD-2020-00645-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 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
[[Page 16127]]
under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of
this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Matthew L.
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5251; 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
The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for type certificated Model UH-
1H restricted category helicopters. The type certificate holders for
these helicopters include but are not limited to Arrow Falcon Exporters
Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC;
JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC.; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas
Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft
Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International,
Inc.; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.
This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of failure of a
main driveshaft. This proposed AD would require establishing a life
limit for certain part-numbered main driveshafts, removing and
inspecting the main driveshaft, inspecting the alignment of the main
driveshaft installation, and repetitive inspections of the main
driveshaft. As an optional terminating action, this AD allows the
installation of a certain part-numbered main driveshaft not affected by
this unsafe condition. This condition, if not addressed, could result
in loss of engine power to the transmission and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously 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 Headquarters, Department of the Army, Aviation
Unit and Intermediate Maintenance Instructions Army Model UH-1H/V/EH-
1H/X Helicopters, Technical Manual TM 55-1520-210-23-1, Change No. 42,
dated April 14, 2003. This service information contains main driveshaft
assembly figures and specifies procedures for the main driveshaft
disassembly, cleaning, inspecting, repairing, lubricating and assembly,
installing, and inspecting and correction of its alignment.
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 ADDRESSES.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require, before further flight after the
effective date of this AD, establishing a life limit of 5,000 hours
time-in-service (TIS) for KAflex main driveshaft part number (P/N)
SKCP2180-1, SKCP2281-1, SKCP2281-1R, and SKCP2281-103. This proposed AD
would also require, within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, removing the main driveshaft and inspecting the main
driveshaft for any broken, loose, or missing hardware; each flex frame
and mount bolt torque stripe for movement; each joint for fretting
corrosion; the main driveshaft for damage; and the alignment of the
main driveshaft, and if required, adjusting the alignment. This
proposed AD would then require, at intervals not to exceed 300 hours
TIS, repeating the inspections with the main driveshaft installed.
As an optional terminating action, this proposed AD would allow
installing KAflex main driveshaft P/N SKCP3303-1.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 384 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.
Determining the total hours TIS of the main driveshaft would take
about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of about $43 per helicopter
and $16,512 for the U.S. fleet. Removing and inspecting the main
driveshaft would take about 4 work-hours for an estimated cost of $340
per helicopter and $130,560 for the U.S. fleet. Inspecting the
installed main driveshaft would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated
cost of about $85 per helicopter and $32,640 for the U.S. fleet, per
inspection cycle. Inspecting the alignment of the main driveshaft
installation would take about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of
$170 per helicopter and $65,280 for the U.S. fleet. If required,
adjusting the alignment would take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $43 per instance. Replacing a main driveshaft would take about
1 work-hour and parts would cost about $54,000, for an estimated cost
of $54,085 per replacement.
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.
For the reasons discussed above, 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.
[[Page 16128]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2021-0189;
Project Identifier AD-2020-00645-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 10, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to restricted category Model UH-1H helicopters;
current type certificate holders include but are not limited to
Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.;
Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC.;
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards
Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Southwest
Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and Tamarack Helicopters,
Inc., with KAflex main driveshaft part number (P/N) SKCP2180-1,
SKCP2281-1, SKCP2281-1R, or SKCP2281-103 installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an SW205 designation
are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH-1H
helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6310, Engine/
Transmission Coupling.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by multiple reports of failure of the main
driveshaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of engine power to the transmission and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD,
determine the total hours time-in-service (TIS) of the main
driveshaft.
(i) If the main driveshaft has accumulated less than 5,000 total
hours TIS, before exceeding 5,000 total hours TIS, remove the main
driveshaft from service.
(ii) If the main driveshaft has accumulated 5,000 or more total
hours TIS, before further flight, remove the main driveshaft from
service.
(2) Thereafter following paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, remove the
main driveshaft from service before accumulating 5,000 total hours
TIS.
(3) Within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
remove main driveshaft P/N SKCP2180-1, SKCP2281-1, SKCP2281-1R, or
SKCP2281-103 by following 6-24.3. Removal--Main Driveshaft P/N
SKCP2281-103, of Headquarters, Department of the Army, Aviation Unit
and Intermediate Maintenance Instructions Army Model UH-1H/V/EH-1H/X
Helicopters, Technical Manual TM 55-1520-210-23-1, Change No. 42,
dated April 14, 2003 (TM 55-1520-210-23-1) and:
(i) Inspect for any broken, loose, or missing hardware. If there
is broken or loose hardware, before further flight, remove the
driveshaft from service. If there is missing hardware, before
further flight, replace the driveshaft.
(ii) Visually inspect each flex frame and mount bolt torque
stripe (red or yellow) for movement. If there is any torque stripe
movement, before further flight, replace the driveshaft.
(iii) Visually inspect each joint for fretting corrosion, which
may be indicated by red metallic particles. If there is any grease,
oil, or dirt covering a joint, clean the area and visually inspect
again. If there is any fretting corrosion, before further flight,
replace the driveshaft.
(iv) Inspect the main driveshaft for mechanical damage,
corrosion, an edge dent, and nick as shown in Figure 1 to paragraph
(g)(3)(iv) of this AD. For the purposes of this inspection,
mechanical damage may be indicated by a crack, scratch, or wear; and
corrosion may be indicated by corrosion or pitting. If there is a
scratch, wear, corrosion, pitting, an edge dent, or a nick within
allowable limits, before further flight, repair the main driveshaft
in accordance with FAA-approved procedures. If there is a crack, or
a scratch, wear, corrosion, pitting, an edge dent, or a nick that
exceeds allowable limits, before further flight, replace the
driveshaft.
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(4) Before installing the main driveshaft following paragraph
(g)(3) of this AD, and with the engine adapter installed in the end
of the engine output shaft, inspect the alignment of the main
driveshaft installation between the transmission input drive quill
coupling and the engine output shaft adapter by following 6-24.
Alignment--Main Driveshaft, paragraphs c. through g., of TM 55-1520-
210-23-1. If there is misalignment, before further flight, adjust
the alignment by following 6-24. Alignment--Main Driveshaft,
paragraphs h. through j., of TM 55-1520-210-23-1.
(5) Within 300 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
and thereafter within intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, with
[[Page 16130]]
the main driveshaft installed, accomplish the actions in paragraphs
(g)(3)(i) through (iv) of this AD.
(6) As an optional terminating action for the requirements of
this AD, you may install KAflex main driveshaft P/N SKCP3303-1.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, DSCO 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 Related Information. 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 Matthew L.
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5251; email
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Army
Publishing Directorate, 9301 Chapek Rd., Bldg 1458, Fort Belvoir, VA
22060-5447; telephone (703) 614-3727; email [email protected]; or at https://armypubs.army.mil/.
You may view the service information identified in this AD 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. You may also contact the following, as applicable:
(i) Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc., 2081 S Wildcat Way,
Porterville, CA 93257; telephone (559) 781-8604; fax (559) 781-9271;
email [email protected].
(ii) Global Helicopter Technology, Inc., P.O. Box 180681,
Arlington, Texas 76096; telephone (817) 557-3391; email
[email protected].
(iii) Hagglund Helicopters, LLC, 5101 NW A Avenue, Pendleton, OR
97801; telephone (800) 882-3554 or (541) 276-3554; fax (541) 276-
1597.
(iv) JASPP Engineering Services, LLC., 511 Harmon Terrace,
Arlington, TX 76010; telephone (817) 465-4495; or at www.jjaspp.com.
(v) Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC, 1000 85th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA
98501; telephone (360) 754-7200; or at www.nwhelicopters.com.
(vi) Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., P.O. Box 898, Lakeside, AZ
85929; telephone (928) 368-6965; fax (928) 368-6962.
(vii) Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc., 1181 Osprey Nest Point,
Orange Park, FL 32073; (904) 472-1481; email [email protected].
(viii) Rotorcraft Development Corporation, P.O. Box 430,
Corvallis, MT 59828; telephone (207) 329-2518; email
[email protected].
(ix) Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., 28000-A9
Airport Road, Bldg. 101, Punta Gorda, FL 33982-9587; telephone (941)
637-1161; fax (941) 637-6264; email [email protected].
(x) Tamarack Helicopters, Inc., 2849 McIntyre Rd., Stevensville,
MT 59870; telephone (406) 777-0144; or at
www.tamarackhelicopters.com.
Issued on March 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05561 Filed 3-25-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
