Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters, 67364-67367 [2021-25206]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 225 / Friday, November 26, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM)
Within 60 days after the effective date of
this AD: Revise the existing AFM to
incorporate the information specified in
Section 05–23, Flight Controls, of Chapter 05,
Non-Normal Procedures, of the AFM
revisions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) Bombardier Challenger 300 (Imperial
Version) Airplane Flight Manual, Publication
No. CSP 100–1, Revision 61, dated
September 25, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): For obtaining
this section of the Bombardier Challenger 300
(Imperial Version) Airplane Flight Manual,
Publication No. CSP 100–1, use Document
Identification No. CH 300 AFM–I.
(2) Bombardier Challenger 350 Airplane
Flight Manual, Publication No. CH 350 AFM,
Revision 27, dated September 25, 2020.
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(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs) The Manager, New York 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
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the certification office,
send it to ATTN: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. Before
using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, New York ACO Branch,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the
DAO-authorized signature.
(i) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) TCCA AD
CF–2021–14, dated April 7, 2021, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2021–1014.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Thomas Niczky, Aerospace Engineer,
Avionics and Electrical Systems Section,
FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516–228–7347; fax 516–794–5531;
email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 200 Coˆte-
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Vertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 2A3,
Canada; North America toll-free telephone 1–
866–538–1247 or direct-dial telephone 1–
514–855–2999; email ac.yul@
aero.bombardier.com; internet https://
www.bombardier.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
Issued on November 18, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–25618 Filed 11–24–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–1007; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00324–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 and MBB–BK
117 D–2 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by report that a collective
bellcrank-K was found incorrectly
installed on a helicopter. This proposed
AD would require inspecting the
collective bellcrank-K to determine if it
is correctly installed and has a correct
position marking and, depending on the
findings, applicable corrective actions,
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is proposed for incorporation by
reference (IBR). This proposed AD
would also allow installation of an
affected collective bellcrank-K, provided
certain instructions are followed. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by January 10,
2022.
SUMMARY:
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
ADDRESSES:
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• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For EASA material that is proposed
for IBR in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA 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. This material is
also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
1007.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1007; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
NPRM, the EASA AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal
Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational
Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza
SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone
(202) 267–9167; email hal.jensen@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–1007; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00324–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 225 / Friday, November 26, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
installed on a helicopter. Subsequent
investigations revealed that the affected
part was an in-service replacement, and
that the position marking on that part
was incorrect. The FAA is proposing
this AD to address incorrect installation
of a collective bellcrank-K, which could
lead to unwanted collective input,
resulting in reduced control of the
helicopter. See EASA AD 2021–0074 for
additional background information.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Hal Jensen, Aerospace
Engineer, Operational Safety Branch,
FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW,
Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202)
267–9167; email hal.jensen@faa.gov.
Any commentary that the FAA receives
that is not specifically designated as CBI
will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0074 requires a onetime inspection of an affected part for
correct installation by measuring the
distance between the front edge of the
bearing block and the front edge of the
affected part, and for correct application
of position markings, and, depending on
the findings, accomplishment of
applicable corrective actions. If an
affected part is incorrectly installed, the
corrective actions include inspecting for
signs of chafing on the bearing block,
the control lever, the forked lever, the
sliding sleeve, and the bearing ring,
replacing any parts that have signs of
chafing, and installing a serviceable
bellcrank-K with an applied position
marking. If an affected part is correctly
installed but the position marking is not
correct, the corrective actions include
re-working the affected part or replacing
the affected part with a serviceable part
that has an applied position marking.
EASA AD 2021–0074 also allows
installation of an affected part, provided
certain instructions are followed.
This material 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.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0074,
dated March 15, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0074), to correct an unsafe condition for
all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH (formerly Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH; and Airbus
Helicopters Inc., formerly American
Eurocopter LLC) Model MBB–BK117 C–
2 and MBB–BK117 D–2 helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report that a collective bellcrank-K
(affected part) was found incorrectly
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
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develop on other helicopters of these
same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2021–0074, described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to
use some civil aviation authority (CAA)
ADs as the primary source of
information for compliance with
requirements for corresponding FAA
ADs. The FAA has been coordinating
this process with manufacturers and
CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to
incorporate EASA AD 2021–0074 by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0074
in its entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in
EASA AD 2021–0074 does not mean
that operators need comply only with
that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in EASA AD 2021–0074.
Service information required by EASA
AD 2021–0074 for compliance will be
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1007 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 140
helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD.
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ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection for correct installation and position
marking.
0.50 work-hour × $85 per hour = $42.50 .......
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
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$0
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$42.50
Cost on U.S.
operators
$5,950
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 225 / Friday, November 26, 2021 / Proposed Rules
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacements
or rework that would be required based
on the results of the proposed
inspection. The agency has no way of
determining the number of helicopters
that might need this replacement or
rework:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Replace collective bellcrank-K .....................................
Rework collective bellcrank-K ......................................
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ...........................
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ...........................
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
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The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
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the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH:
Docket No. FAA–2021–1007; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00324–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by January 10,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK 117 C–
2 and MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted a report that a
collective bellcrank-K (affected part) was
found incorrectly installed on a helicopter.
Subsequent investigations found that the
affected part was an in-service replacement,
and that the position marking on that part
was incorrect. The FAA is issuing this AD to
incorrect installation of a collective
bellcrank-K, which could lead to unwanted
collective input, resulting in reduced 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, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0074, dated
March 15, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0074).
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Parts cost
$4,018
0
Cost per
product
$4,698
170
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0074
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0074 requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021–0074 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0074 specifies
discarding a part, this AD requires removing
that part from service.
(4) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0074 specifies
contacting Airbus Helicopters for
instructions to rework a bellcrank-K, the
rework must be accomplished using a
method approved by the Manager, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
Helicopters’ EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(5) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0074 specifies
to ‘‘forecast the compliance time of Part IV
and schedule the accomplishment
accordingly,’’ for clarification, this AD
requires doing the correction of the position
marking of the bellcrank-K at the time
specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021–
0074.
(6) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0074 specifies
contacting Airbus Helicopters if there is
mechanical damage or corrosion on the
bushings of the bellcrank assembly, this AD
does not require that action.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0074.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0074 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) 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 (k)(2) of this AD.
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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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021–0074, 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 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.
This material may be found in the AD docket
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–1007.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950
L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024;
telephone (202) 267–9167; email hal.jensen@
faa.gov.
Issued on November 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–25206 Filed 11–24–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Authority for This Rulemaking
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0913; Airspace
Docket No. 21–ASO–11]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment of Area
Navigation (RNAV) Routes;
Southeastern United States
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend five high altitude area navigation
(RNAV) routes (Q-routes), and establish
a new Q- route in the southeastern
United States in support of the VHF
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Minimum
Operational Network (MON) Program.
This proposal would improve the
efficiency of the National Airspace
System (NAS) by expanding the
availability of RNAV routing and
reducing the dependency on groundbased navigational systems.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before January 10, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
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SUMMARY:
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New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1
(800) 647–5527 or (202) 366–9826. You
must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–
2021–0913; Airspace Docket No. 21–
ASO–11 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
FAA Order JO 7400.11F, 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 Rules
and Regulations Group, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783.
FAA Order JO 7400.11F is also available
for inspection at the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA).
For information on the availability of
FAA Order JO 7400.11F at NARA,
email: fr.inspection@nara.gov or go to
https://www.archives.gov/federalregister/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Gallant, Rules and Regulations Group,
Office of Policy, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 the 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 would
expand the availability of RNAV routes
in the NAS, increase airspace capacity,
and reduce complexity in high air traffic
volume areas.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
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decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–
2021–0913; Airspace Docket No. 21–
ASO–11) and be submitted in triplicate
to the Docket Management Facility (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number). You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket No. FAA–2021–0913; Airspace
Docket No. 21–ASO–11.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified comment closing
date will be considered before taking
action on the proposed rule. The
proposal contained in this action may
be changed in light of comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
comment closing date. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRM
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s web page at https://
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/
airspace_amendments/. You may
review the public docket containing the
proposal, any comments received and
any final disposition in person in the
Dockets Office (see ADDRESSES section
for address and phone number) between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
An informal docket may also be
examined during normal business hours
at the office of the Eastern Service
Center, Federal Aviation
Administration, Room 210, 1701
Columbia Ave., College Park, GA,
30337.
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document proposes to amend
FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points,
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 225 (Friday, November 26, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67364-67367]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25206]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1007; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00324-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and
MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by report
that a collective bellcrank-K was found incorrectly installed on a
helicopter. This proposed AD would require inspecting the collective
bellcrank-K to determine if it is correctly installed and has a correct
position marking and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective
actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). This
proposed AD would also allow installation of an affected collective
bellcrank-K, provided certain instructions are followed. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 10,
2022.
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 EASA material that is proposed for IBR 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 the EASA 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. This material is also
available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-1007.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1007; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the EASA AD,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC
20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1007; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00324-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
[[Page 67365]]
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Hal
Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950
L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-9167;
email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0074, dated March 15, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0074), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH; and
Airbus Helicopters Inc., formerly American Eurocopter LLC) Model MBB-
BK117 C-2 and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a collective
bellcrank-K (affected part) was found incorrectly installed on a
helicopter. Subsequent investigations revealed that the affected part
was an in-service replacement, and that the position marking on that
part was incorrect. The FAA is proposing this AD to address incorrect
installation of a collective bellcrank-K, which could lead to unwanted
collective input, resulting in reduced control of the helicopter. See
EASA AD 2021-0074 for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0074 requires a one-time inspection of an affected
part for correct installation by measuring the distance between the
front edge of the bearing block and the front edge of the affected
part, and for correct application of position markings, and, depending
on the findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. If an
affected part is incorrectly installed, the corrective actions include
inspecting for signs of chafing on the bearing block, the control
lever, the forked lever, the sliding sleeve, and the bearing ring,
replacing any parts that have signs of chafing, and installing a
serviceable bellcrank-K with an applied position marking. If an
affected part is correctly installed but the position marking is not
correct, the corrective actions include re-working the affected part or
replacing the affected part with a serviceable part that has an applied
position marking. EASA AD 2021-0074 also allows installation of an
affected part, provided certain instructions are followed.
This material 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.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2021-0074, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2021-0074 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2021-0074 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2021-0074 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2021-
0074. Service information required by EASA AD 2021-0074 for compliance
will be available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1007 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 140 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection for correct installation 0.50 work-hour x $85 per $0 $42.50 $5,950
and position marking. hour = $42.50.
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[[Page 67366]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements or rework that would be required based on the results of
the proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the
number of helicopters that might need this replacement or rework:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace collective bellcrank-K................ 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $4,018 $4,698
$680.
Rework collective bellcrank-K................. 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = 0 170
$170.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2021-1007;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00324-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 10, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor
Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted a report that a collective bellcrank-K
(affected part) was found incorrectly installed on a helicopter.
Subsequent investigations found that the affected part was an in-
service replacement, and that the position marking on that part was
incorrect. The FAA is issuing this AD to incorrect installation of a
collective bellcrank-K, which could lead to unwanted collective
input, resulting in reduced 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0074, dated March 15, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0074).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0074
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0074 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0074 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0074 specifies discarding a part, this AD requires removing that
part from service.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0074 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters for instructions to
rework a bellcrank-K, the rework must be accomplished using a method
approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0074 specifies to ``forecast the compliance time of Part IV and
schedule the accomplishment accordingly,'' for clarification, this
AD requires doing the correction of the position marking of the
bellcrank-K at the time specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-
0074.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0074 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters if there is mechanical
damage or corrosion on the bushings of the bellcrank assembly, this
AD does not require that action.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0074.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0074
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) 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 (k)(2) of
this AD.
[[Page 67367]]
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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021-0074, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; internet www.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. This material may be found in the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-1007.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L'Enfant
Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267-9167; email
[email protected].
Issued on November 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-25206 Filed 11-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
