Airworthiness Directives; Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc, Helicopters, 3046-3048 [2025-00588]
Download as PDF
khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with PROPOSALS
3046
Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 8 / Tuesday, January 14, 2025 / Proposed Rules
consumers from abusive practices that
could emerge.
However, as explained above, a
number of comments highlighted that
NSF fees for transactions not covered by
the rule could also be abusive, such as
fees for recurring Automated Clearing
House (ACH) transactions. These fees
are much more common under current
market conditions than fees on
instantaneous payments. Some
comments suggested that the proposed
abusive conduct analysis be extended to
transactions not covered by the
proposed rule.
In light of the comments received and
upon further consideration, the CFPB
has reason to believe that practices
involving the charging of NSF fees on
other types of transactions may also be
abusive for reasons similar to those
discussed in the proposal. However, the
prevalence, nature, and extent of harms
from these non-instantaneous NSF fees
were outside of the scope of the
proposal and were not the focus of the
proposed rule’s evidence or analysis.
Accordingly, the CFPB has determined
that it would be a prudent use of its
rulemaking and market monitoring
resources to withdraw this rulemaking
and to consider whether consumers
similarly lack understanding of other
NSF fees to determine whether a
broader rulemaking would be
appropriate.
to instantaneous NSF fees. Commenters
discussed the CFPB’s reading of the
abusive standard, but those comments
raised mostly policy-based concerns and
did not seriously grapple with the
CFPB’s interpretation of the statutory
language. For example, commenters did
not give a plausible, much less superior,
alternative textual readings of the
abusive standard that justified imputing
the ‘‘reasonable consumer’’ test for
unfair practices to the statutory lack of
understanding standard. Commenters
did not suggest that lack of
understanding of ‘‘costs’’ or
‘‘conditions’’ require, as a textual
matter, an assessment of probabilities or
likelihood or magnitude of harm. And
commenters did not raise specific
counter-arguments supporting the
notion that the CFPB should, statutorily,
only pursue regulations under its
abusive authority if consumers lack
understanding of ‘‘general’’ risk, as
opposed to when consumers lack
understanding of individual risks, costs,
or conditions.
Commenters did suggest that the
CFPB’s reading of the statute as
prohibiting practices distinct from those
prohibited by the unfairness and
deception standards would have broad
policy consequences. However,
Congress has already spoken on these
issues of policy; the legislative history
and statutory text make clear that
Congress intended the existence of an
additional and distinct standard
prohibiting abusive practices.
Furthermore, the CFPB does not agree
that law-abiding companies have to be
allowed to take unreasonable advantage
of consumer’s lack of understanding in
order to operate in a fair market
economy. While consumers may not be
expected to understand every element of
a financial transaction, law-abiding
companies do not take unreasonable
advantage of a lack of understanding to
profit unreasonably. For that reason, the
CFPB continues to operate with an
understanding of the abusive conduct
standard consistent with the 2023
Abusive Policy Statement as well as the
clarifications with respect to the payday
rule discussed in the proposal.
Rohit Chopra,
Director, Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau.
III. Withdrawal of the Proposed Rule
[FR Doc. 2024–31385 Filed 1–13–25; 8:45 am]
The proposed rule would have
applied the analysis summarized above
in section II.A. only to NSF fees charged
for transactions that were
instantaneously or nearly
instantaneously declined. The stated
purpose for this limited-scope proposal
was that because technological advances
might eventually make instantaneous
payments ubiquitous, it was important
to proactively set regulations to protect
BILLING CODE 4810–AM–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:30 Jan 13, 2025
Jkt 265001
IV. Applicable Date
The notice of proposed rulemaking
published in the Federal Register at 89
FR 6031 on January 31, 2024, is
withdrawn as of January 14, 2025.
Authority and Issuance
For the reasons set forth above, the
CFPB uses its discretion to withdraw
the proposed rule on NSF fees for
instantaneously declined transactions
published in the Federal Register on
January 31, 2024.
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2024–2555; Project
Identifier AD–2024–00214–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Siam Hiller
Holdings, Inc, Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc. (Siam Hiller),
Model UH–12E (Army OH–23G and H–
23F) and UH–12E–L helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of cracks found in a main rotor (M/R)
transmission drive shaft (drive shaft).
This proposed AD would require
inspecting certain M/R drive shafts for
a crack, prohibit installing certain M/R
drive shafts unless the inspection is
done, and prohibit using certain paint
removers. 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 February 28,
2025.
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
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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2024–2555; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
Other Related Material: For Hiller
Aircraft Corporation material identified
in this proposed AD, contact Hiller
Aircraft Corporation, 925 M Street,
Firebaugh, CA 93622; phone: (559) 659–
5959; or website: hilleraircraft
corporation.com/.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\14JAP1.SGM
14JAP1
Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 8 / Tuesday, January 14, 2025 / Proposed Rules
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Calvin L. Hang, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712;
phone: (562) 627–5254; email:
Calvin.L.Hang@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 the ADDRESSES section. Include
‘‘Docket No. FAA–2024–2555; Project
Identifier AD–2024–00214–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 revise this
proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal
information you provide. The agency
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received
about this NPRM.
khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with PROPOSALS
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 Calvin L. Hang,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712; phone: (562) 627–5254; email:
Calvin.L.Hang@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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:10 Jan 13, 2025
Jkt 265001
Background
The FAA received a report of two
cracks in an M/R drive shaft that were
found during an inspection involving a
Siam Hiller Model UH–12E helicopter.
These cracks resulted from hydrogen
embrittlement, possibly due to improper
baking after the electroplating process,
and certain paint strippers exploiting
galvanic potential between the steel and
cadmium. Since the affected part may
also be installed on Model UH–12E–L
helicopters, this model helicopter is also
affected by this unsafe condition.
Accordingly, this proposed AD would
require inspecting certain M/R drive
shafts for a crack, prohibit installing
certain M/R drive shafts unless the
inspection is done, and prohibit using
certain paint removers. This condition,
if not addressed, could result in could
result in loss of the M/R drive shaft and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Other Related Material
The FAA reviewed Hiller Aircraft
Corporation UH–12E Series Helicopters,
Main Rotor Transmission Assembly,
Overhaul Manual 63–20, dated June 01,
2015. This material specifies overhaul
procedures for the M/R transmission
assemblies.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require,
with the M/R drive shaft removed,
removing the coatings from all surfaces
of the M/R drive shaft by using certain
paint strippers, hydrogen embrittlement
relief baking the M/R drive shaft, and
performing a magnetic particle
inspection of the M/R drive shaft for a
crack. Depending on the results of the
magnetic particle inspection, this
proposed AD would require removing
the M/R drive shaft from service and
installing an airworthy part. This
proposed AD would also prohibit
installing an affected M/R drive shaft on
any helicopter unless the actions
required by this proposed AD have been
accomplished and prohibit using certain
paint removers on the M/R drive shaft.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 110
helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor costs
are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Based on these numbers, the FAA
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
3047
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD.
Removing the coatings, hydrogen
embrittlement relief baking, and
magnetic particle inspecting the M/R
drive shaft would take 5 work-hours and
parts would cost $500 for an estimated
cost of $925 per helicopter and $101,750
for the U.S. fleet. If required, replacing
the M/R drive shaft would take 5 workhours and parts would cost $15,000 for
an estimated cost of $15,425 per
helicopter.
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.
E:\FR\FM\14JAP1.SGM
14JAP1
3048
Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 8 / Tuesday, January 14, 2025 / Proposed Rules
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–
2024–2555; Project Identifier AD–2024–
00214–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by February 28,
2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD Applies to Siam Hiller Holdings,
Inc., Model UH–12E (Army OH–23G and H–
23F) and UH–12E–L helicopters, certificated
in any category, with a main rotor (M/R)
transmission drive shaft (drive shaft) having
part number (P/N) 23600, installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Hiller Aircraft
Corporation material refers to an M/R drive
shaft as a transmission M/R mast and M/R
drive shaft, interchangeably.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks
in the M/R drive shaft. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address non-conforming parts and
the use of improper paint stripper; and detect
cracking of the M/R drive shaft. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
separation of the M/R drive shaft and M/R
blades from the helicopter and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
khammond on DSK9W7S144PROD with PROPOSALS
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
For an M/R drive shaft that has
accumulated 1,200 or more total hours timein-service (TIS) or 4 or more years since new,
or at the next overhaul of the M/R
transmission assembly after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first, with the
M/R drive shaft removed, inspect the M/R
drive shaft by accomplishing the actions
required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of
this AD.
(1) Remove all coatings from all surfaces of
the M/R drive shaft by using paint stripper
TT–R–248B or TT–R–2918A Type I.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:10 Jan 13, 2025
Jkt 265001
(2) Hydrogen embrittlement relief bake the
M/R drive shaft for 24 hours minimum at
375 °F ± 25 °F.
(3) Magnetic particle inspect all surfaces of
the M/R drive shaft for a crack. This magnetic
particle inspection must be accomplished by
a Level II or Level III inspector certified in
the FAA-acceptable standards for
nondestructive inspection personnel. If there
is a crack, before further flight, remove the
M/R drive shaft from service and install an
airworthy M/R drive shaft.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(3): Advisory
Circular 65–31B contains examples of FAAacceptable Level II and Level III qualification
standards criteria for inspection personnel
doing nondestructive test inspections.
Note 3 to paragraph (g): Hiller Aircraft
Corporation Main Rotor Transmission
Assembly Overhaul Manual, Manual 63–20,
for UH–12E Series Helicopters, accepted May
6, 2015, contains additional information
pertaining to inspecting the M/R drive shaft.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on December 9, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025–00588 Filed 1–13–25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
19 CFR Parts 10, 101, 128, 143, 145
[USCBP–2025–0002]
RIN 1685–AA01 (Formerly RIN 1515–AE84)
(h) Parts Installation Limitations
Entry of Low-Value Shipments
(1) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install an M/R drive shaft having P/N
23600 on any helicopter unless the actions
required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of
this AD have been accomplished.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not use any other paint stripper other than
TT–R–248B or TT–R–2918A Type I to
remove coatings from all areas of the M/R
drive shaft.
AGENCY:
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, West Certification
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 West Certification
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 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.
(j) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Calvin L. Hang, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627–
5254; email: Calvin.L.Hang@faa.gov.
(2) For Hiller Aircraft Corporation material
identified in this AD that is not incorporated
by reference, contact Hiller Aircraft
Corporation, 925 M Street, Firebaugh, CA
93622; phone: (559) 659–5959; or website:
hilleraircraftcorporation.com/.
(3) For advisory circular material identified
in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference, go to faa.gov/regulations_policies/
advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/
document.information/documentID/1023552.
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, Department of Homeland
Security; Department of the Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
This document proposes
amendments to the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) regulations
pertaining to the entry of certain lowvalue shipments not exceeding $800
that are eligible for an administrative
exemption from duty and tax.
Specifically, CBP proposes to create a
new process for entering low-value
shipments, allowing CBP to target highrisk shipments more effectively,
including those containing synthetic
opioids such as illicit fentanyl. This
document also proposes to revise the
current process for entering low-value
shipments to require additional data
elements that would assist CBP in
verifying eligibility for duty- and taxfree entry of low-value shipments and
bona-fide gifts.
DATES: Comments must be received by
March 17, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Please submit comments,
identified by docket number, by the
following method:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments
via docket number USCBP–2025–0002.
Instructions: All submissions received
must include the agency name and
docket number for this rulemaking. All
comments received will be posted
without change to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided.
Comments must be submitted in
English, or an English translation must
be provided.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\14JAP1.SGM
14JAP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3046-3048]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-00588]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2555; Project Identifier AD-2024-00214-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc, Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc. (Siam Hiller), Model UH-12E (Army OH-23G
and H-23F) and UH-12E-L helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of cracks found in a main rotor (M/R) transmission drive shaft
(drive shaft). This proposed AD would require inspecting certain M/R
drive shafts for a crack, prohibit installing certain M/R drive shafts
unless the inspection is done, and prohibit using certain paint
removers. 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 February
28, 2025.
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 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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2555; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this NPRM, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Other Related Material: For Hiller Aircraft Corporation material
identified in this proposed AD, contact Hiller Aircraft Corporation,
925 M Street, Firebaugh, CA 93622; phone: (559) 659-5959; or website:
hilleraircraftcorporation.com/.
[[Page 3047]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Calvin L. Hang, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone:
(562) 627-5254; 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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2555;
Project Identifier AD-2024-00214-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 revise this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
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
Calvin L. Hang, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5254; email:
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA received a report of two cracks in an M/R drive shaft that
were found during an inspection involving a Siam Hiller Model UH-12E
helicopter. These cracks resulted from hydrogen embrittlement, possibly
due to improper baking after the electroplating process, and certain
paint strippers exploiting galvanic potential between the steel and
cadmium. Since the affected part may also be installed on Model UH-12E-
L helicopters, this model helicopter is also affected by this unsafe
condition.
Accordingly, this proposed AD would require inspecting certain M/R
drive shafts for a crack, prohibit installing certain M/R drive shafts
unless the inspection is done, and prohibit using certain paint
removers. This condition, if not addressed, could result in could
result in loss of the M/R drive shaft and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Other Related Material
The FAA reviewed Hiller Aircraft Corporation UH-12E Series
Helicopters, Main Rotor Transmission Assembly, Overhaul Manual 63-20,
dated June 01, 2015. This material specifies overhaul procedures for
the M/R transmission assemblies.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require, with the M/R drive shaft removed,
removing the coatings from all surfaces of the M/R drive shaft by using
certain paint strippers, hydrogen embrittlement relief baking the M/R
drive shaft, and performing a magnetic particle inspection of the M/R
drive shaft for a crack. Depending on the results of the magnetic
particle inspection, this proposed AD would require removing the M/R
drive shaft from service and installing an airworthy part. This
proposed AD would also prohibit installing an affected M/R drive shaft
on any helicopter unless the actions required by this proposed AD have
been accomplished and prohibit using certain paint removers on the M/R
drive shaft.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 110 helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor costs are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Removing the coatings, hydrogen embrittlement relief baking, and
magnetic particle inspecting the M/R drive shaft would take 5 work-
hours and parts would cost $500 for an estimated cost of $925 per
helicopter and $101,750 for the U.S. fleet. If required, replacing the
M/R drive shaft would take 5 work-hours and parts would cost $15,000
for an estimated cost of $15,425 per helicopter.
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.
[[Page 3048]]
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:
Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2024-2555; Project
Identifier AD-2024-00214-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 28, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD Applies to Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc., Model UH-12E
(Army OH-23G and H-23F) and UH-12E-L helicopters, certificated in
any category, with a main rotor (M/R) transmission drive shaft
(drive shaft) having part number (P/N) 23600, installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Hiller Aircraft Corporation material
refers to an M/R drive shaft as a transmission M/R mast and M/R
drive shaft, interchangeably.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor
Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the M/R drive
shaft. The FAA is issuing this AD to address non-conforming parts
and the use of improper paint stripper; and detect cracking of the
M/R drive shaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in separation of the M/R drive shaft and M/R blades from the
helicopter 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
For an M/R drive shaft that has accumulated 1,200 or more total
hours time-in-service (TIS) or 4 or more years since new, or at the
next overhaul of the M/R transmission assembly after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, with the M/R drive shaft
removed, inspect the M/R drive shaft by accomplishing the actions
required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(1) Remove all coatings from all surfaces of the M/R drive shaft
by using paint stripper TT-R-248B or TT-R-2918A Type I.
(2) Hydrogen embrittlement relief bake the M/R drive shaft for
24 hours minimum at 375 [deg]F 25 [deg]F.
(3) Magnetic particle inspect all surfaces of the M/R drive
shaft for a crack. This magnetic particle inspection must be
accomplished by a Level II or Level III inspector certified in the
FAA-acceptable standards for nondestructive inspection personnel. If
there is a crack, before further flight, remove the M/R drive shaft
from service and install an airworthy M/R drive shaft.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(3): Advisory Circular 65-31B contains
examples of FAA-acceptable Level II and Level III qualification
standards criteria for inspection personnel doing nondestructive
test inspections.
Note 3 to paragraph (g): Hiller Aircraft Corporation Main Rotor
Transmission Assembly Overhaul Manual, Manual 63-20, for UH-12E
Series Helicopters, accepted May 6, 2015, contains additional
information pertaining to inspecting the M/R drive shaft.
(h) Parts Installation Limitations
(1) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an M/R
drive shaft having P/N 23600 on any helicopter unless the actions
required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD have been
accomplished.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not use any other
paint stripper other than TT-R-248B or TT-R-2918A Type I to remove
coatings from all areas of the M/R drive shaft.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, West Certification 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 West Certification Branch, send it to
the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) 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) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Calvin L. Hang,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5254; email: [email protected].
(2) For Hiller Aircraft Corporation material identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Hiller Aircraft
Corporation, 925 M Street, Firebaugh, CA 93622; phone: (559) 659-
5959; or website: hilleraircraftcorporation.com/.
(3) For advisory circular material identified in this AD that is
not incorporated by reference, go to faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1023552.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on December 9, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-00588 Filed 1-13-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P