Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters, 50222-50224 [2021-19253]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 8, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on August 13, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–19243 Filed 9–7–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0450; Project
Identifier 2017–SW–100–AD; Amendment
39–21680; AD 2021–16–17]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by the discovery
that certain parts that are approved for
installation on multiple helicopter
models are life limited parts when
installed on Model MBB–BK 117 D–2
helicopters and some helicopter
delivery documents excluded the life
limit information. This AD requires
determining the total hours time-inservice (TIS) of a certain part-numbered
rotor mast nut and re-identifying a
certain part-numbered rotor mast nut.
This AD also requires establishing a life
limit for a certain part-numbered rotor
mast nut and helical gear support, and
removing each part from service before
reaching its life limit. Additionally, this
AD requires replacing a certain partnumbered main gearbox (MGB) with a
not affected MGB 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.
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SUMMARY:
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DATES:
This AD is effective October 13,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of October 13, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-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. You may view the
referenced service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222–5110. It is also available
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0450.
BK 117 D–2 helicopters, with an
affected MGB or affected rotor mast nut
as identified in Note 1 of EASA AD
2017–0037. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 7, 2021 (86 FR
30218). The NPRM was prompted by the
discovery that certain parts that are
approved for installation on multiple
helicopter models are life limited parts
when installed on Model MBB–BK 117
D–2 helicopters and some helicopter
delivery documents excluded the life
limit information, The NPRM proposed
to require accomplishing the actions
specified in EASA AD 2017–0037,
described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD and except as
discussed under ‘‘Differences Between
this AD and EASA AD 2017–0037.’’ The
FAA is issuing this AD to address an
unsafe condition on these products. See
EASA AD 2017–0037 for additional
background information.
Examining the AD Docket
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0450; 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
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: Rao
Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer,
Dynamic Systems Section, Technical
Innovation Policy Branch, Policy &
Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
rao.edupuganti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA AD 2017–0037, dated February
22, 2017 (EASA AD 2017–0037), issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH (formerly Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH), Airbus Helicopters
Inc. (formerly American Eurocopter
LLC) Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 and
MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters.
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 (AHD) Model MBB–
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Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters been approved by
EASA and are approved for operation in
the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s
bilateral agreement with the European
Union, EASA has notified the FAA
about the unsafe condition described in
its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2017–0037 requires
establishing a life limit for rotor mast
nut part number (P/N) D632K1133–201
and helical gear support P/N
D632K1113–201, and replacing these
parts before exceeding their life limit.
EASA AD 2017–0037 also requires
replacing each rotor mast nut P/N
D632K1133–201 for which the hours
TIS are unknown and replacing certain
part-numbered rotor mast nuts before
accumulating 3,708 hours TIS since first
installation on a helicopter. EASA AD
2017–0037 requires re-identifying each
rotor mast nut P/N 117–12133–01 to P/
N D632K1133–201 by following the
specified service information. EASA AD
2017–0037 requires replacing any MGB
P/N D632K1001–051 with serial number
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 8, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(S/N) D2–0001 up to D2–0108 inclusive,
D2–0123, D2–0126, D2–0127, or D2–
0130 up to D2–0136 inclusive with a not
affected MGB before the affected MGB
accumulates 3,708 hours TIS. EASA AD
2017–0037 also prohibits installing an
affected rotor mast nut or an affected
MGB that has accumulated more than
3,708 hours TIS since first installation
on a helicopter. Additionally, EASA AD
2017–0037 requires revising the Aircraft
Maintenance Program (AMP).
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.
Determining the total hours TIS on an
affected rotor mast nut takes about 1
work-hour for an estimated cost of $85
per helicopter and $2,550 for the U.S.
fleet.
Re-identifying a rotor mast nut takes
about 1.5 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $128 per rotor mast nut.
Replacing a rotor mast nut takes about
6 work-hours and parts cost about
$5,351 for an estimated cost of $5,861
per rotor mast nut.
Replacing a MGB, which includes
replacing the helical gear support, takes
about 42 work-hours and parts cost
about $295,000 (overhauled) for an
estimated cost of $298,570.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin MBB–BK117 D–
2–63A–001, Revision 0, dated December
1, 2016 (ASB 63A–001), which is not
incorporated by reference, which
specifies procedures for re-identifying
the rotor mast nut by using a
vibrograph, crossing out the old P/N and
marking the new P/N on the outer
surface, engraving the letter ‘‘A’’ behind
the S/N of each part, and updating the
historical record and log card to confirm
compliance with ASB 63A–001. ASB
63A–001 also specifies during the next
MGB overhaul, making an entry in the
log card to confirm re-identification of
the helical gear support, and annotating
the S/N of the helical gear support.
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 helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
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Differences Between This AD and EASA
AD 2017–0037
EASA AD 2017–0037 applies to
Model MBB–BK117 D–2 and D2m
helicopters, whereas this AD only
applies to Model MBB–BK117 D–2
helicopters because Model D–2m is not
FAA type-certificated. If the total hours
TIS for an affected rotor mast nut cannot
be determined, this AD requires
removing the rotor mast nut from
service before further flight, whereas
EASA AD 2017–0037 does not contain
this requirement. EASA AD 2017–0037
requires using a vibrograph to reidentify certain rotor mast nuts, whereas
this AD requires using a vibro etch
instead. EASA AD 2017–0037 requires
replacing certain parts, whereas this AD
requires removing certain parts from
service instead. EASA AD 2017–0037
requires revising the AMP, whereas this
AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 30 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
Labor rates are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Based on these numbers, the
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD.
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16:25 Sep 07, 2021
Jkt 253001
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,
(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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50223
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:
■
2021–16–17 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment
39–21680; Docket No. FAA–2021–0450;
Project Identifier 2017–SW–100–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective October 13, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB–BK
117 D–2 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with an affected main gearbox or
affected rotor mast nut as identified in Note
1 of European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2017–0037, dated February 22,
2017 (EASA AD 2017–0037) installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6200 Main gearbox.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the discovery
that certain parts that are approved for
installation on multiple helicopter models
are life limited parts when installed on
Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters and
some helicopter delivery documents
excluded the life limit information. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent certain parts
from remaining in service beyond their
fatigue life. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of the part
and 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 2017–0037.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2017–0037
(1) Where EASA AD 2017–0037 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 8, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(2) Where EASA AD 2017–0037 refers to
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using
hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2017–
0037 requires determining the FH (total
hours TIS) accumulated by the affected rotor
mast nut since first installation on a
helicopter, this AD requires removing the
rotor mast nut from service before further
flight if the total hours TIS cannot be
determined.
(4) Where the service information
referenced in Note 3 of EASA AD 2017–0037
specifies to use a vibrograph to mark the new
part number, this AD requires using a vibro
etch.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2017–
0037 requires replacing each affected rotor
mast nut with a not affected rotor mast nut
before exceeding 3,708 FH (total hours TIS)
since first installation on a helicopter, this
AD requires removing each affected rotor
mast nut from service before accumulating
3,708 total hours TIS.
(6) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2017–
0037 requires replacing each part as
identified in Table 2 of EASA AD 2017–0037
before exceeding the FH (total hours TIS)
limit, this AD requires removing each part
from service before exceeding the total hours
TIS limit.
(7) Paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2017–0037
does not apply to this AD.
(8) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2017–0037 does not apply to this AD.
(i) EASA AD 2017–0037, dated February
22, 2017.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2017–0037, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.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.
This material may be found in the AD docket
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0450.
(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.
(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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer,
Dynamic Systems Section, Technical
Innovation Policy Branch, Policy &
Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
(817) 222–5110; email rao.edupuganti@
faa.gov.
(k) 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:25 Sep 07, 2021
Jkt 253001
Issued on July 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–19253 Filed 9–7–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0449; Project
Identifier 2018–SW–001–AD; Amendment
39–21679; AD 2021–16–16]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters; and
Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
reports that the lanyards (bead chain
tethers), which hold the quick release
pins to the forward bracket assembly of
certain litter kits, can loop around the
directional control pedal stubs, limiting
the movement of the pedals. This AD
requires modification of the lanyard
attachment location for certain litter kit
installations. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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This AD is effective October 13,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of October 13, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view
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. It is also available
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0449.
DATES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0449; 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 Transport Canada AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street 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:
Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance
& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Mail Stop: Room 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516)
228–7330; email andrea.jimenez@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D
helicopters; and Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
and AS355NP helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
June 3, 2021 (86 FR 29705). In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
modification of the lanyard attachment
location for certain litter kit
installations. The NPRM was prompted
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50222-50224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19253]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0450; Project Identifier 2017-SW-100-AD; Amendment
39-21680; AD 2021-16-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) 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 (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2
helicopters. This AD was prompted by the discovery that certain parts
that are approved for installation on multiple helicopter models are
life limited parts when installed on Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters
and some helicopter delivery documents excluded the life limit
information. This AD requires determining the total hours time-in-
service (TIS) of a certain part-numbered rotor mast nut and re-
identifying a certain part-numbered rotor mast nut. This AD also
requires establishing a life limit for a certain part-numbered rotor
mast nut and helical gear support, and removing each part from service
before reaching its life limit. Additionally, this AD requires
replacing a certain part-numbered main gearbox (MGB) with a not
affected MGB 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 October 13, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the 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 the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817)
222-5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0450.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0450; 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 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: Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer,
Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy &
Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA AD 2017-0037, dated February 22, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0037),
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH),
Airbus Helicopters Inc. (formerly American Eurocopter LLC) Model MBB-BK
117 D-2 and MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters.
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 (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, with an
affected MGB or affected rotor mast nut as identified in Note 1 of EASA
AD 2017-0037. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 7,
2021 (86 FR 30218). The NPRM was prompted by the discovery that certain
parts that are approved for installation on multiple helicopter models
are life limited parts when installed on Model MBB-BK 117 D-2
helicopters and some helicopter delivery documents excluded the life
limit information, The NPRM proposed to require accomplishing the
actions specified in EASA AD 2017-0037, described previously, as
incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed
under ``Differences Between this AD and EASA AD 2017-0037.'' The FAA is
issuing this AD to address an unsafe condition on these products. See
EASA AD 2017-0037 for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2017-0037 requires establishing a life limit for rotor mast
nut part number (P/N) D632K1133-201 and helical gear support P/N
D632K1113-201, and replacing these parts before exceeding their life
limit. EASA AD 2017-0037 also requires replacing each rotor mast nut P/
N D632K1133-201 for which the hours TIS are unknown and replacing
certain part-numbered rotor mast nuts before accumulating 3,708 hours
TIS since first installation on a helicopter. EASA AD 2017-0037
requires re-identifying each rotor mast nut P/N 117-12133-01 to P/N
D632K1133-201 by following the specified service information. EASA AD
2017-0037 requires replacing any MGB P/N D632K1001-051 with serial
number
[[Page 50223]]
(S/N) D2-0001 up to D2-0108 inclusive, D2-0123, D2-0126, D2-0127, or
D2-0130 up to D2-0136 inclusive with a not affected MGB before the
affected MGB accumulates 3,708 hours TIS. EASA AD 2017-0037 also
prohibits installing an affected rotor mast nut or an affected MGB that
has accumulated more than 3,708 hours TIS since first installation on a
helicopter. Additionally, EASA AD 2017-0037 requires revising the
Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP).
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-
BK117 D-2-63A-001, Revision 0, dated December 1, 2016 (ASB 63A-001),
which is not incorporated by reference, which specifies procedures for
re-identifying the rotor mast nut by using a vibrograph, crossing out
the old P/N and marking the new P/N on the outer surface, engraving the
letter ``A'' behind the S/N of each part, and updating the historical
record and log card to confirm compliance with ASB 63A-001. ASB 63A-001
also specifies during the next MGB overhaul, making an entry in the log
card to confirm re-identification of the helical gear support, and
annotating the S/N of the helical gear support.
Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2017-0037
EASA AD 2017-0037 applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2 and D2m
helicopters, whereas this AD only applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2
helicopters because Model D-2m is not FAA type-certificated. If the
total hours TIS for an affected rotor mast nut cannot be determined,
this AD requires removing the rotor mast nut from service before
further flight, whereas EASA AD 2017-0037 does not contain this
requirement. EASA AD 2017-0037 requires using a vibrograph to re-
identify certain rotor mast nuts, whereas this AD requires using a
vibro etch instead. EASA AD 2017-0037 requires replacing certain parts,
whereas this AD requires removing certain parts from service instead.
EASA AD 2017-0037 requires revising the AMP, whereas this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Determining the total hours TIS on an affected rotor mast nut takes
about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and
$2,550 for the U.S. fleet.
Re-identifying a rotor mast nut takes about 1.5 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $128 per rotor mast nut.
Replacing a rotor mast nut takes about 6 work-hours and parts cost
about $5,351 for an estimated cost of $5,861 per rotor mast nut.
Replacing a MGB, which includes replacing the helical gear support,
takes about 42 work-hours and parts cost about $295,000 (overhauled)
for an estimated cost of $298,570.
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 helicopters 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,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The 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:
2021-16-17 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
21680; Docket No. FAA-2021-0450; Project Identifier 2017-SW-100-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with
an affected main gearbox or affected rotor mast nut as identified in
Note 1 of European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2017-0037, dated February 22, 2017
(EASA AD 2017-0037) installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200 Main gearbox.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the discovery that certain parts that
are approved for installation on multiple helicopter models are life
limited parts when installed on Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters and
some helicopter delivery documents excluded the life limit
information. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent certain parts
from remaining in service beyond their fatigue life. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the part and
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 2017-0037.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2017-0037
(1) Where EASA AD 2017-0037 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
[[Page 50224]]
(2) Where EASA AD 2017-0037 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2017-0037 requires
determining the FH (total hours TIS) accumulated by the affected
rotor mast nut since first installation on a helicopter, this AD
requires removing the rotor mast nut from service before further
flight if the total hours TIS cannot be determined.
(4) Where the service information referenced in Note 3 of EASA
AD 2017-0037 specifies to use a vibrograph to mark the new part
number, this AD requires using a vibro etch.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2017-0037 requires replacing
each affected rotor mast nut with a not affected rotor mast nut
before exceeding 3,708 FH (total hours TIS) since first installation
on a helicopter, this AD requires removing each affected rotor mast
nut from service before accumulating 3,708 total hours TIS.
(6) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2017-0037 requires replacing
each part as identified in Table 2 of EASA AD 2017-0037 before
exceeding the FH (total hours TIS) limit, this AD requires removing
each part from service before exceeding the total hours TIS limit.
(7) Paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2017-0037 does not apply to this
AD.
(8) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2017-0037 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 Rao Edupuganti,
Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation
Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(k) 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) EASA AD 2017-0037, dated February 22, 2017.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2017-0037, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; internet www.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. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0450.
(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 July 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19253 Filed 9-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
