[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 199 (Monday, October 16, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53507-53508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25522]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-SW-19-AD; Amendment 39-9399; AD 95-21-12 ]
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model
MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) (Eurocopter) Model MBB-
BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 helicopters, that requires
initial and repetitive inspections of the main rotor (M/R) blade upper
and lower surfaces for bulging. This amendment is prompted by two
reported incidents in which a balance weight became detached from
inside the M/R blade structure and migrated toward the tip of the M/R
blade. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect movement
of a balance weight and to prevent severe vibrations and a subsequent
precautionary landing.
DATES: Effective November 20, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 20, 1995.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, Texas
[[Page 53508]]
75053-4005. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the
Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Richard Monschke, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5116, fax
(817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter Model MBB-BK 117 A-1,
A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 helicopters was published in the Federal
Register on February 13, 1995 (60 FR 8205). That action proposed to
require initial and repetitive inspections of the M/R blade upper and
lower surfaces for bulging.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the
adoption of the rule as proposed, except for editorial changes and
adding explanatory Note 1, relating to the scope of the applicability
statement when modifications, alterations, or repairs have been made in
the area subject to the requirements of the AD. The FAA has determined
that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any
operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
The FAA estimates that 125 helicopters of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately one-half work hour
per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,750.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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), 40101, 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
AD 95-21-12 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD): Amendment 39-9399.
Docket No. 94-SW-19-AD.
-Applicability: Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-
1 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority
provided in paragraph (d) to request approval from the FAA. This
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration
eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair
remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect movement of a balance weight and to prevent severe
vibrations and a subsequent precautionary landing, accomplish the
following:
(a) Within the next 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD, and thereafter, at intervals not to
exceed 50 hours TIS, visually inspect the upper and lower surfaces
of the main rotor blades (blades) in the area of the outboard lead
balance weight in the marked inspection area for signs of bulging,
in accordance with Paragraph 2.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Alert Service Bulletin ASB-MBB-
BK 117-10-108, Revision 1, dated October 14, 1994.
(b) If a marked inspection area is not visible, mark the area in
accordance with Paragraph 2.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Alert Service Bulletin ASB-MBB-BK
117-10-108, Revision 1, dated October 14, 1994, and then inspect in
accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c) If bulging exceeds 1mm (0.040 inch) in height, remove the
blade and replace it with an airworthy blade in accordance with the
applicable maintenance manual.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used when approved by the Manager, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Rotorcraft Standards Staff. Operators shall submit their requests
through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or
comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) The inspection and replacement, if necessary, shall be done
in accordance with Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Alert Service
Bulletin ASB-MBB-BK 117-10-108, Revision 1, dated October 14, 1994.
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation,
2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1995.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 4, 1995.
Daniel P. Salvano,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 95-25522 Filed 10-13-95; 8:45 am]
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