Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters, 49915-49917 [2021-19300]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations (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) Rolls-Royce Non-Modification Service Bulletin Trent XWB 72–K633, Initial Issue, dated August 7, 2020. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Rolls-Royce service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44 (0)1332 242424; fax: +44 (0)1332 249936; website: https://www.rolls-royce.com/ contact-us.aspx. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238–7759. (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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. Issued on August 12, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–19175 Filed 9–3–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0727; Project Identifier AD–2021–00835–R; Amendment 39–21726; AD 2021–19–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked tail rotor blades (blades). This AD requires checking each blade for any crack and removing any cracked blade from service. This AD also requires removing all affected blades from service and prohibits installing any affected blade on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Sep 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 This AD is effective September 22, 2021. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 22, 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 final rule, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, Pete Riedl, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505, United States; phone: (310) 539–0508; email: eng1@robinsonheli.com; website: https://robinsonheli.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. DATES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0727; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations is listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627–5357; email james.guo@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA received reports of spanwise cracks found along the leading edge of part number (P/N) C029–3 blades, serial numbers (S/N) 9410 through 9909. These affected blades were factoryinstalled or shipped as spares between March and December 2019. The cracks were found at different inspection intervals ranging from preflight inspections to 100-hour inspections. In one instance, a cracked blade was PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 49915 suspected when the pilot felt abnormal vibrations during flight; subsequent investigation determined that the blade was cracked. The cause of the cracks is a manufacturing defect in the properties of the blade skin that makes the blades prone to stress corrosion cracking. This condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Related Service Information The FAA reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB–108, dated June 30, 2021. This service bulletin specifies removing P/N C029–3 blades with S/N 9410 through 9909 from service. For continued operation until the affected blades are replaced, the service bulletin specifies a preflight inspection to be performed by the pilot. AD Requirements This AD requires, before further flight and thereafter before each flight, checking blade P/N C029–3 with S/N 9410 through 9909 inclusive, for any crack along the leading edge of the blade. An owner/operator (pilot) may perform this required check but must enter compliance with the applicable paragraph of this AD in the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check because it involves visually checking each blade for a crack. This action can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an exception to the FAA’s standard maintenance regulations. This AD also requires, before further flight, removing from service any cracked blade and prohibits installing the affected blades on any helicopter. Additionally, this AD requires, within three months after the effective date of this AD, removing all affected blades from service. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM 07SER1 49916 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because an urgent unsafe condition exist and corrective actions must accomplished before further flight and then within three months. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and comment. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. 2021–0727 and Project Identifier AD–2021–00835–R’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule. 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 AD contain commercial or financial information VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Sep 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627–5357; email james.guo@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. Regulatory Flexibility Act The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 164 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Checking the tail rotor blade for any crack takes about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated cost of $22 per inspection. Replacing the tail rotor blade takes about 3.5 work-hours and parts cost about $3,320 for an estimated cost of $3,618 per helicopter. The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. 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: ■ 2021–19–08 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39–21726; Docket No. FAA–2021–0727; Project Identifier AD– 2021–00835–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 22, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N) C029–3 with serial number (S/ N) 9410 through 9909 inclusive, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades. E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM 07SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations (e) Unsafe Condition DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION This AD was prompted by reports of cracked blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and prevent cracks in the affected blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0424; Airspace Docket No. 21–ACE–13] (f) Compliance RIN 2120–AA66 Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Amendment of Class E Airspace; Malden, MO (g) Required Actions (1) Before further flight and thereafter before each flight, check each blade at the leading edge for a crack. This action may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (2) If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the blade from service. (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a blade identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter. (4) Within three months after the effective date of this AD, remove from service any blade identified in paragraph (c) of this AD. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMLAACO-AMOC-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 For more information about this AD, contact James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627–5357; email james.guo@ faa.gov. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 None. Issued on September 1, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–19300 Filed 9–2–21; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:15 Sep 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Malden Regional Airport, (formerly Malden Municipal Airport), Malden, MO. The FAA is taking this action as a result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Malden Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (VOR) co-located with Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) which equates to a (VORTAC) navigation aid as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) in the area. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, December 2, 2021. The Director of the Federal 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337; Telephone (404) 305–6364. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 49917 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 amends the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface in Malden, MO, to support IFR operations in the area. History The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (86 FR 33920, June 28, 2021) for Docket No. FAA–2021–0424 to amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Malden Regional Airport, Malden, MO, due to the decommissioning of the Malden VORTAC. 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 E airspace designations are published in Paragraph 6005, of FAA Order 7400.11E, dated July 21, 2020, and effective September 15, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order. Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference This document amends FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 21, 2020, and effective September 15, 2020. FAA Order 7400.11E is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11E lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic routes, and reporting points. The Rule The FAA is amending 14 CFR part 71 by amending the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Malden Regional Airport, Malden, MO, as the Malden VORTAC has been decommissioned and all associated airspace extensions of Class E airspace extending upward from 700 E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM 07SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49915-49917]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19300]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0727; Project Identifier AD-2021-00835-R; 
Amendment 39-21726; AD 2021-19-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. 
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked tail rotor blades (blades). 
This AD requires checking each blade for any crack and removing any 
cracked blade from service. This AD also requires removing all affected 
blades from service and prohibits installing any affected blade on any 
helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 22, 2021.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 22, 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 final rule, contact 
Robinson Helicopter Company, Pete Riedl, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, 
CA 90505, United States; phone: (310) 539-0508; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://robinsonheli.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-2021-0727; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone 
(562) 627-5357; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA received reports of spanwise cracks found along the leading 
edge of part number (P/N) C029-3 blades, serial numbers (S/N) 9410 
through 9909. These affected blades were factory-installed or shipped 
as spares between March and December 2019. The cracks were found at 
different inspection intervals ranging from preflight inspections to 
100-hour inspections. In one instance, a cracked blade was suspected 
when the pilot felt abnormal vibrations during flight; subsequent 
investigation determined that the blade was cracked. The cause of the 
cracks is a manufacturing defect in the properties of the blade skin 
that makes the blades prone to stress corrosion cracking. This 
condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in 
other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin
    SB-108, dated June 30, 2021. This service bulletin specifies 
removing P/N C029-3 blades with S/N 9410 through 9909 from service. For 
continued operation until the affected blades are replaced, the service 
bulletin specifies a preflight inspection to be performed by the pilot.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, before further flight and thereafter before each 
flight, checking blade P/N C029-3 with S/N 9410 through 9909 inclusive, 
for any crack along the leading edge of the blade. An owner/operator 
(pilot) may perform this required check but must enter compliance with 
the applicable paragraph of this AD in the helicopter maintenance 
records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 
91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check because it involves 
visually checking each blade for a crack. This action can be performed 
equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an exception to 
the FAA's standard maintenance regulations. This AD also requires, 
before further flight, removing from service any cracked blade and 
prohibits installing the affected blades on any helicopter. 
Additionally, this AD requires, within three months after the effective 
date of this AD, removing all affected blades from service.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those

[[Page 49916]]

procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public 
interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may 
issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior 
to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to 
make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good 
cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because an urgent unsafe condition exist and corrective actions must 
accomplished before further flight and then within three months. 
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and 
comment.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. 2021-0727 and Project Identifier AD-
2021-00835-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.

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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to James 
Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5357; 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.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 164 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. 
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Checking the tail rotor 
blade for any crack takes about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated cost of 
$22 per inspection. Replacing the tail rotor blade takes about 3.5 
work-hours and parts cost about $3,320 for an estimated cost of $3,618 
per helicopter.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs'' 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

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:

2021-19-08 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-21726; Docket 
No. FAA-2021-0727; Project Identifier AD-2021-00835-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 22, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with a tail rotor blade (blade) part 
number (P/N) C029-3 with serial number (S/N) 9410 through 9909 
inclusive, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor 
Blades.

[[Page 49917]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked blades. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect and prevent cracks in the affected blades. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced 
controllability 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 and thereafter before each flight, 
check each blade at the leading edge for a crack. This action may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) 
through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
    (2) If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the 
blade from service.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a blade 
identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter.
    (4) Within three months after the effective date of this AD, 
remove from service any blade identified in paragraph (c) of this 
AD.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority 
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures 
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your 
request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards 
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (i) 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

    For more information about this AD, contact James Guo, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 
90712; telephone (562) 627-5357; email [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on September 1, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19300 Filed 9-2-21; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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