[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 189 (Thursday, September 30, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52649-52650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-25375]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-SW-80-AD; Amendment 39-11342; AD 99-20-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. Model 369D, D369E,
369FF, 500N, and 600N Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to MD Helicopters, Inc. Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 500N, and
600 N helicopters, that requires replacing the oil cooler blower
bracket (bracket). This amendment is prompted by three reports of
cracked brackets. The actions specified by this AD are intended to
prevent failure of a bracket, loss of cooling of engine oil and
transmission oil, and subsequent forced landing.
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 4, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce Conze, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Los Angeles Aircraft, Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd,
Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5261, fax (562) 627-
5210.
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 MD Helicopters Inc. Model 369D,
369E, 369FF, 500N, and 600N helicopters was published in the Federal
Register on June 23, 1999 (64 FR 33447). That action proposed to
require replacing the bracket.
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.
The FAA estimates that 100 helicopters of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2.5 work hours per
helicopter to replace the bracket, and that the average labor rate is
$60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $225 per
helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $37,500.
The regulations adopted therein 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 FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas
76137.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
AD 99-20-12 MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI): Amendment 39-11342. Docket
No. 98-SW-80-AD.
Applicability: Model 369D, 369E, 369FF, 500N, and 600N
helicopters, with oil cooler blower bracket (bracket), part number
(P/N)
[[Page 52650]]
369F5190-1, installed, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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 request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required within 100 hours time-in-service, unless
accomplished previously.
To prevent failure of a bracket, loss of cooling of engine oil
and transmission oil, and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish
the following:
(a) Remove the bracket, P/N 369F5190-1, and replace it with an
airworthy bracket P/N 369F5194-1.
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office. Operators shall submit their request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then
send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this Ad, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
(c) 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.
(d) This amendment becomes effective on November 4, 1999.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 22, 1999.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-25375 Filed 9-29-99; 8:45 am]
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