[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46426-46428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19737]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1126; Product Identifier 2017-SW-125-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-26-03 
for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, 
MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 
helicopters. AD 97-26-03 requires visual inspections for cracks in the 
ribbed area of the main rotor (M/R) mast flange (flange). Since we 
issued AD 97-26-03, we have determined that a certain reinforced M/R 
mast is not affected by the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would 
retain the requirements of AD 97-26-03 and would remove a certain M/R 
mast from the applicability. The actions of this proposed AD are 
intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1126; 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 proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You may review this referenced service information at 
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We issued AD 97-26-03, Amendment 39-10246 (62 FR 65750, December 
16, 1997) (AD 97-26-03) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (now Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, 
MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 
helicopters. AD 97-26-03 requires visual inspections for cracks in the 
ribbed area of the M/R flange and replacing the M/R mast if a crack is 
found. AD 97-26-03 was prompted by AD 97-276, effective September 25, 
1997, issued by Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Germany, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter 
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, 
MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters. The LBA 
AD required immediate and repetitive inspections for a crack in the 
flange area after an M/R mast was found to have cracks ``of critical 
magnitude.'' When LBA AD 97-276 was issued, the cause of the cracks was 
under investigation. The actions of AD 97-26-03 are intended to detect 
cracks in the flange, which could result in failure of the flange and 
subsequent loss of helicopter control.

Actions Since AD 97-26-03 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 97-26-03, EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2017-0193, 
dated September 29, 2017, to supersede the LBA AD. EASA advises that 
reinforced M/R mast part number (P/N) 4639 305 095, which is part of M/
R mast assembly P/N 4639 205 016, is not affected by the unsafe 
condition. The EASA AD retains the repetitive inspection requirements 
but only for helicopters with M/R mast P/N 4639 305 002.
    Also, since we issued AD 97-26-03, Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters changed its name to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH. 
This proposed AD reflects that change and updates the contact 
information to obtain service documentation.
    Additionally, the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service has changed 
its

[[Page 46427]]

organizational structure. The new structure replaces product 
directorates with functional divisions. We have revised some of the 
office titles and nomenclature throughout this proposed AD to reflect 
the new organizational changes. Additional information about the new 
structure can be found in the Notice published on July 25, 2017 (82 FR 
34564).

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB MBB-
BK117-10-114, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017. This service information 
specifies visually inspecting the area of the holes on the underside of 
the flange for cracks, especially in the ribbed area between the holes, 
and if cracks are found, contacting Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
before further flight for advice on how to proceed. This service 
information applies to helicopters with M/R mast assembly P/N 
4639205011.
    This service information 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.

Other Related Service Information

    We also reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB MBB-
BK117-10-114, dated August 27, 1997, which specifies visually 
inspecting the area of the holes on the underside of the flange for 
cracks, especially in the ribbed area between the holes, and if cracks 
are found, contacting Eurocopter Helicopter Deutschland GmbH before 
further flight for advice on how to proceed. This service information 
applies to helicopters with M/R mast assembly P/N 4639205011 or 
4639205016.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require before further flight and thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time-in-service, visually 
inspecting the flange in the ribbed area for a crack using a 5-power or 
higher magnifying glass. If a crack exists, this proposed AD would 
require removing the M/R mast before further flight and replacing it 
with an airworthy M/R mast.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires contacting Airbus Helicopters if a crack is 
found on the flange for applicable instructions, whereas this proposed 
AD would require replacing the M/R mast with an airworthy M/R mast 
before further flight.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 62 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Visually inspecting the flange for a crack would require 
.25 work-hour and no parts for a cost of about $21 per helicopter and 
$1,302 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
     Replacing the M/R mast would require 10 work-hours and 
parts would cost $50,000 for a cost of $50,850 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.
    We are 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

    We 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
97-26-03, Amendment 39-10246 (62 FR 65750, December 16, 1997), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter 
Deutschland GmbH): Docket No. FAA-2017-1126; Product Identifier 
2017-SW-125-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-
BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-
BK 117 C-1 helicopters, certificated any category, with a main rotor 
(M/R) mast assembly part number (P/N) 4639 205 011 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a M/R mast 
flange. This condition could result in failure of the mast flange 
and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 97-26-03, Amendment 39-10246 (62 FR 65750, 
December 16, 1997).

[[Page 46428]]

(d) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 13, 2018.

(e) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 100 hours time-in-service, visually inspect the flange in the 
ribbed area for cracks using a 5-power or higher magnifying glass in 
accordance with paragraphs 2.A.1 and 2.A.2 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-
MBB-BK 117-10-114, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017.
    (2) If a crack is found as a result of the inspections specified 
in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, remove the cracked M/R mast and 
replace it with an airworthy M/R mast.

(g) Credit for Previous Actions

    Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the procedures specified in AD 97-26-03, dated 
December 16, 1997, are acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of 
this AD.

(h) Special Flight Permit

    A special flight permit will not be permitted.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(j) Additional Information

    (1) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB MBB-BK 
117-10-114, dated August 27, 1997, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus 
Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 
(972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/Technical-Support_73.html. 
You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0193, dated September 29, 2017. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
in the AD Docket.

(k) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300, Main Rotor 
Drive System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 29, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-19737 Filed 9-12-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P