Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 30162-30164 [2021-11810]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 107 / Monday, June 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
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 (o)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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.
(o) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Anthony Kenward, Aerospace
Engineer, AIR–7F1, Fort Worth ACO Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth,
TX 78101; telephone (817) 222–5152; email
Anthony.Kenward@faa.gov.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2017–0164, dated September 4,
2017. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the
AD Docket.
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(p) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin 169–023, Revision B, dated April 16,
2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters,
Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness,
Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di
Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–
225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https://
www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:24 Jun 04, 2021
Jkt 253001
Issued on May 19, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–11806 Filed 6–4–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0196; Project
Identifier 2018–SW–021–AD; Amendment
39–21571; AD 2021–11–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
MBB–BK 117 A–1, MBB–BK 117 A–3,
MBB–BK 117 A–4, MBB–BK 117 B–1,
MBB–BK 117 B–2, and MBB–BK 117 C–
1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by
an analysis of the main rotor (M/R)
blade loop area. This AD requires
repetitive inspections of certain M/R
blade thimble areas and corrective
actions if necessary, as specified in a
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference (IBR). The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 12,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of July 12, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0196.
SUMMARY:
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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–2021–
0196; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
the EASA AD, any comments received,
and other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA; telephone
(206) 231–3218; email
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA AD 2018–
0061, dated March 20, 2018 (EASA AD
2018–0061), 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, and MBB–BK117 C–1
helicopters, all serial numbers.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117
A–1, MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–BK 117
A–4, MBB–BK 117 B–1, MBB–BK 117
B–2, and MBB–BK 117 C–1 helicopters
with an ‘‘affected ‘angle 0’ parts’’ or
‘‘affected ‘angle 1’ parts’’ installed, as
identified in EASA AD 2018–0061. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on March 26, 2021 (86 FR
16121). The NPRM was prompted by
new test results from an analysis of the
M/R blade loop area, which revealed
that certain M/R blade thimbles require
reduced inspection intervals. The
NPRM proposed to require repetitive
inspections of certain M/R blade
thimble areas and corrective actions if
necessary, as specified in EASA AD
2018–0061. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address composite failure of the M/
R blades, resulting in loss of control of
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 107 / Monday, June 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
the helicopter. See EASA AD 2018–0061
for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018–0061 specifies
compliance intervals to repetitively
inspect certain M/R blades, with a blade
sweep angle of 1 degree, for cracks and
resin chippings in the area of the greater
thimble radius and corrective actions, if
there is a crack or anomaly. EASA AD
2018–0061 also specifies compliance
intervals to repetitively inspect certain
M/R blades, with a blade sweep angle of
0 degrees, for cracks and bulging in the
teflon foil in the area of the greater
thimble radius and corrective actions, if
there is a crack or bulge. Corrective
actions include dispatching the M/R
blades to an authorized repair station, as
required.
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.
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Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
EASA AD 2018–0061 applies to
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, whereas this AD
applies to Model MBB–BK 117 A–1,
MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4,
MBB–BK 117 B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2,
and MBB–BK 117 C–1 helicopters with
certain M/R blades installed instead.
The service information required by
EASA AD 2018–0061 requires
accomplishment of certain corrective
action by ‘‘ECD’’ or an authorized
service or repair station, whereas this
AD requires performing the corrective
action in accordance with FAAapproved procedures instead. EASA AD
2018–0061 requires revising the Aircraft
Maintenance Program (AMP), whereas
this AD does not. EASA AD 2018–0061
allows a tolerance to compliance times,
whereas this AD does not.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:24 Jun 04, 2021
Jkt 253001
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 216 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 AD.
Inspecting an M/R blade thimble area
takes about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of about $85 per M/R
blade thimble, per inspection cycle.
Repairing or replacing an M/R blade
takes up to about 20 work-hours and
parts cost up to about $23,100 for an
estimated cost of up to $24,800 per
blade.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this AD:
(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.
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30163
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
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:
■
2021–11–09 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39–
21571; Docket No. FAA–2021–0196;
Project Identifier 2018–SW–021–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective July 12, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs None
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 A–
1, MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4,
MBB–BK 117 B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2, and
MBB–BK 117 C–1 helicopters, certificated in
any category, with an ‘‘affected ‘angle 0’
parts’’ or ‘‘affected ‘angle 1’ parts’’ installed,
as identified in European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018–0061, dated
March 20, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–0061).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code: 6200, Main Rotor System.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by new test results
from a composite analysis of the main rotor
(M/R) blade loop area, which revealed that
certain M/R blade thimbles require reduced
inspection intervals. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address composite failure of an M/R
blade, which if not addressed could result in
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2018–0061.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018–0061
(1) Where EASA AD 2018–0061 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018–0061 refers to
flight hours, this AD requires using hours
time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Where Table 1, Table 2, and Note 2 of
EASA AD 2018–0061 specify inspection
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07JNR1
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 107 / Monday, June 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
thresholds, intervals, and a non-cumulative
compliance time tolerance of 10% for certain
required compliance times, this AD requires
accomplishing those requirements, as
follows:
(i) For helicopters with an ‘‘affected ‘angle
0’ parts,’’ the compliance time is before
accumulating 660 total hours TIS on the
affected part or within 100 hours TIS after
the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later, and without accumulating 1,600
total hours TIS on the affected part.
Thereafter, the compliance time is at
intervals not to exceed 330 hours TIS.
(ii) For helicopters with an ‘‘affected ‘angle
1’ parts,’’ the compliance time is before
accumulating 110 total hours TIS on the
affected part or within 50 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later, and without accumulating 950 total
hours TIS on the affected part. Thereafter, the
compliance time is at intervals not to exceed
110 hours TIS.
(iii) For helicopters specified in paragraph
(c) of this AD, Note 1 of EASA AD 2018–0061
specifies accumulated FH as, ‘‘Unless
otherwise specified, the FH specified in
Table 2 of this AD are those accumulated
since the previous M/R blade thimble
inspection.’’ This AD requires intervals
thereafter to be accumulated since
accomplishment of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(4) While paragraph (5) and Note 3 of
EASA AD 2018–0061 specify revising the
Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP), this
AD does not require this action.
(5) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2018–0061 specifies
accomplishment of certain corrective action
by ‘‘ECD’’ or an authorized service or repair
station, this AD requires the corrective
actions to be performed by a qualified
mechanic.
(6) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2018–0061 specifies
contacting ‘‘ECD’’ or an authorized service or
repair station, this AD requires performing
the corrective action in accordance with
FAA-approved procedures.
(7) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2018–0061 does not apply to this AD.
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; telephone
(206) 231–3218; email kathleen.arrigotti@
faa.gov.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs):
(1) The Manager, International Validation
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 International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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.
Federal Aviation Administration
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:24 Jun 04, 2021
Jkt 253001
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2018–0061, dated March 20,
2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018–0061, 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
material on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on May 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–11810 Filed 6–4–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0047; Airspace
Docket No. 20–AWP–31]
RIN 2120–AA66
Establishment of Class E Airspace;
Shafter, CA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action establishes Class
E airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface at Shafter-Minter
Field Airport, Shafter, CA. The airspace
is designed to support instrument flight
rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, August 12,
2021. The Director of the Federal
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under 1 CFR part 51,
subject to the annual revision of FAA
Order 7400.11 and publication of
conforming amendments.
ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11E,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can
be viewed online at https://
www.faa.gov//air_traffic/publications/.
For further information, you can contact
the Airspace Policy Group, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783.
The Order is also available for
inspection at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11E at NARA, email
fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Matthew Van Der Wal, Federal Aviation
Administration, Western Service Center,
Operations Support Group, 2200 S
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone (206) 231–3695.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it establishes
Class E airspace at Shafter-Minter Field
Airport, Shafter, CA, to ensure the safety
and management of IFR operations at
the airport.
History
The FAA published a notice of
proposed rulemaking in the Federal
Register (86 FR 13247; March 8, 2021)
for Docket No. FAA–2021–0047 to
establish Class E airspace at ShafterMinter Field Airport, Shafter, CA.
Interested parties were invited to
participate in this rulemaking effort by
submitting written comments on the
proposal to the FAA. No comments
were received.
Class E5 airspace designations are
published in paragraph 6005 of FAA
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07JNR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 107 (Monday, June 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30162-30164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11810]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0196; Project Identifier 2018-SW-021-AD; Amendment
39-21571; AD 2021-11-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-
3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1
helicopters. This AD was prompted by an analysis of the main rotor (M/
R) blade loop area. This AD requires repetitive inspections of certain
M/R blade thimble areas and corrective actions if necessary, as
specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference
(IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 12, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 12,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view
this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817)
222-5110. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0196.
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-2021-
0196; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the EASA AD, any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; telephone (206) 231-3218; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA AD 2018-0061, dated March 20, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0061), 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, and MBB-BK117 C-1 helicopters, all serial numbers.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4,
MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters with an
``affected `angle 0' parts'' or ``affected `angle 1' parts'' installed,
as identified in EASA AD 2018-0061. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on March 26, 2021 (86 FR 16121). The NPRM was prompted by new
test results from an analysis of the M/R blade loop area, which
revealed that certain M/R blade thimbles require reduced inspection
intervals. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of
certain M/R blade thimble areas and corrective actions if necessary, as
specified in EASA AD 2018-0061. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
composite failure of the M/R blades, resulting in loss of control of
[[Page 30163]]
the helicopter. See EASA AD 2018-0061 for additional background
information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018-0061 specifies compliance intervals to repetitively
inspect certain M/R blades, with a blade sweep angle of 1 degree, for
cracks and resin chippings in the area of the greater thimble radius
and corrective actions, if there is a crack or anomaly. EASA AD 2018-
0061 also specifies compliance intervals to repetitively inspect
certain M/R blades, with a blade sweep angle of 0 degrees, for cracks
and bulging in the teflon foil in the area of the greater thimble
radius and corrective actions, if there is a crack or bulge. Corrective
actions include dispatching the M/R blades to an authorized repair
station, as required.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2018-0061 applies to 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, whereas this AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK
117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117
C-1 helicopters with certain M/R blades installed instead. The service
information required by EASA AD 2018-0061 requires accomplishment of
certain corrective action by ``ECD'' or an authorized service or repair
station, whereas this AD requires performing the corrective action in
accordance with FAA-approved procedures instead. EASA AD 2018-0061
requires revising the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP), whereas this
AD does not. EASA AD 2018-0061 allows a tolerance to compliance times,
whereas this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 216 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 AD.
Inspecting an M/R blade thimble area takes about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of about $85 per M/R blade thimble, per inspection
cycle.
Repairing or replacing an M/R blade takes up to about 20 work-hours
and parts cost up to about $23,100 for an estimated cost of up to
$24,800 per blade.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-11-09 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21571;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0196; Project Identifier 2018-SW-021-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 12, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs None
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-
BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with an ``affected `angle 0' parts'' or ``affected `angle
1' parts'' installed, as identified in European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-
0061, dated March 20, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0061).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by new test results from a composite
analysis of the main rotor (M/R) blade loop area, which revealed
that certain M/R blade thimbles require reduced inspection
intervals. The FAA is issuing this AD to address composite failure
of an M/R blade, which if not addressed could result in subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2018-0061.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0061
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0061 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0061 refers to flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Where Table 1, Table 2, and Note 2 of EASA AD 2018-0061
specify inspection
[[Page 30164]]
thresholds, intervals, and a non-cumulative compliance time
tolerance of 10% for certain required compliance times, this AD
requires accomplishing those requirements, as follows:
(i) For helicopters with an ``affected `angle 0' parts,'' the
compliance time is before accumulating 660 total hours TIS on the
affected part or within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, and without accumulating 1,600
total hours TIS on the affected part. Thereafter, the compliance
time is at intervals not to exceed 330 hours TIS.
(ii) For helicopters with an ``affected `angle 1' parts,'' the
compliance time is before accumulating 110 total hours TIS on the
affected part or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, and without accumulating 950 total
hours TIS on the affected part. Thereafter, the compliance time is
at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS.
(iii) For helicopters specified in paragraph (c) of this AD,
Note 1 of EASA AD 2018-0061 specifies accumulated FH as, ``Unless
otherwise specified, the FH specified in Table 2 of this AD are
those accumulated since the previous M/R blade thimble inspection.''
This AD requires intervals thereafter to be accumulated since
accomplishment of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(4) While paragraph (5) and Note 3 of EASA AD 2018-0061 specify
revising the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP), this AD does not
require this action.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-
0061 specifies accomplishment of certain corrective action by
``ECD'' or an authorized service or repair station, this AD requires
the corrective actions to be performed by a qualified mechanic.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-
0061 specifies contacting ``ECD'' or an authorized service or repair
station, this AD requires performing the corrective action in
accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
(7) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0061 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs):
(1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) 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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; telephone (206)
231-3218; email [email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0061, dated
March 20, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018-0061, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on May 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-11810 Filed 6-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
