[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 83 (Friday, April 28, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24872-24873]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10290]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-SW-73-AD; Amendment 39-11702; AD 2000-08-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH 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) that 
applies to Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH (ECD) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, 
A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 helicopters. This AD requires modifying the 
engine and transmission cowling doors (cowling doors). This amendment 
is prompted by an emergency landing of an ECD Model MBB-BK 117 
helicopter after the No. 1 engine cowling opened, separated from the 
helicopter, and struck the main and tail rotor blades resulting in a 
tail rotor imbalance and subsequent departure of the tail rotor gear 
box from the helicopter. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent the cowling doors opening during flight, separating from the 
helicopter and impacting the main or tail rotor blades, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective June 2, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 2, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-
3527. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 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: Richard A. Monschke, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0110, 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 AD that is 
applicable to ECD 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 4, 2000 
(65 FR 5453). That action proposed to require modifying the cowling 
doors to prevent the cowling doors from opening during flight.
    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 140 helicopters of U.S. registry will be

[[Page 24873]]

affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 28 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$1,620 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $462,000.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

AD 2000-08-16  Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH: Amendment 39-11702. 
Docket No. 99-SW-73-AD.
    Applicability: Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 
helicopters, serial numbers 7001 through 7253 and 7500 through 7523, 
with transmission door cowling, left hand, part number (P/N) 117-
23206-51 or 117-233731, right hand, P/N 117-23206-52 or 117-233741, 
and engine door cowling left hand, P/N 117-23303-51 or 117-23303-53, 
right hand, P/N 117-23303-52 or 117-23303-54, 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 6 calendar months, unless 
accomplished previously.
    To prevent the engine and transmission cowling doors (cowling 
doors) opening during flight, separating from the helicopter and 
impacting the main or tail rotor blades, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Modify the cowling doors in accordance with paragraph 2.B., 
Work Procedure, and 2.C., Conclusions, of Eurocopter Deutschland 
GMBH Service Bulletin SB-MBB-BK 117-20-109, Revision 2, dated April 
30, 1999 (SB).

    Note 2: Adjustment and functional testing of the hook system in 
accordance with paragraph 2.B.8 of the SB is critical after 
installation.

    (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, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and 
then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Regulations Group.

    (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) The modification shall be done in accordance with paragraph 
2.B., Work Procedure, and 2.C., Conclusions, of Eurocopter 
Deutschland GMBH Service Bulletin SB-MBB-BK 117-20-109, Revision 2, 
dated April 30, 1999. 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, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. Copies may 
be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 2, 2000.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Luftfahrt-
Bundesamt (the Federal Republic of Germany) AD No. 1999-302, dated 
September 23, 1999.



    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 19, 2000.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-10290 Filed 4-27-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P