[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 227 (Monday, November 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60376-60378]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25497]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0991; Product Identifier 2017-SW-050-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
MDHI Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, 
and 600N helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting each 
main rotor blade (MRB) for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by 
reports of cracked MRBs. The actions of this proposed AD are intended 
to address an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 25, 
2019.

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-2018-
0991; 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 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 Helicopter Technology Company, LLC service information 
identified in this proposed rule, contact Helicopter Technology 
Company, LLC, 12902 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone 
(310) 523-2750; or at www.helicoptertech.com. You may review the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.
    For MD Helicopters service information identified in this proposed 
rule, contact MD Helicopters, Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 
4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-
800-388-3378; fax 480-346-6813; or at http://www.mdhelicopters.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; 
telephone (562) 627-5374; 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

[[Page 60377]]

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 propose to adopt a new AD for MDHI Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 
369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters with a 
Helicopter Technology Company, LLC (HTC) MRB part number 369A1100, 
369D21100, 369D21102, 369D21120, 369D21121, 369D21123, 500P2100, or 
500P2300 installed. This proposed AD would require repetitively 
inspecting the MRB trim tab for gouges, nicks, scratches, and cracks.
    This proposed AD is prompted by reports of two operators finding 
cracks on an HTC-manufactured MRB. In both cases, the cracking was 
located on the MRB skin adjacent to the trim tab, and they were 
discovered following flights in which an increase in vibration levels 
was noticed. HTC determined the root cause of the cracking to be 
fatigue. HTC also stated that there was evidence of impact damage, 
filing, and sanding under the paint of the cracked MRBs. If not 
detected and corrected, this condition could result in failure of an 
MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed HTC Mandatory Service Bulletin Notice No. 2100-9, dated 
May 25, 2017 (SB 2100-9), which contains procedures for inspecting each 
MRB for a crack in an area adjacent to the inboard edge of the MRB trim 
tab.
    We also reviewed MD Helicopters Service Bulletin No. SB369D-221, 
SB369E-119, SB369F-106, SB369H-257, SB500N-057, and SB600N-069, each 
dated April 2, 2018. This service information specifies inspecting the 
MRBs for cracks near the trim tab by following the instructions in SB 
2100-9.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 25 hours time-in-service and 
thereafter at each 100-hour or annual inspection, inspecting each MRB 
trim tab end at the trailing edge corner where the trim tab and MRB 
meet for cracks, and inspecting the top and bottom surface of each MRB 
for a crack in the area adjacent to inboard trim tab the trim tab 
corner for a crack, from the trailing edge towards the leading edge. If 
there is a crack, this proposed AD would require replacing the MRB.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The service information specifies procedures for inspecting each 
MRB for nicks, gouges, and scratches. This proposed AD does not, as the 
unsafe condition concerns a crack in the MRB. This proposed AD would 
require using a 10X magnifying glass for both inspections, while the 
service information only specifies this level of magnification for the 
inspection of the top and bottom surfaces of the MRB.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 622 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry.
    At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we estimate that 
operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this 
AD. Inspecting one MRB would require about 0.1 work-hour, for a cost 
per helicopter of $43 for MDHI Model 369-series and 500N helicopters 
and $51 for MDHI Model 600N helicopters, and a total cost of $25,320 to 
U.S. operators per inspection cycle.
    If required, replacing one MRB would require 3 work-hours, and 
required parts would cost $13,000, for a cost per MRB of $13,255.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

MD Helicopters Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0991; Product Identifier 
2017-SW-050-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to MD Helicopters Inc. Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 
369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with a main rotor blade (MRB) part 
number 369A1100, 369D21100, 369D21102, 369D21120, 369D21121, 
369D21123, 500P2100, or 500P2300, all dash numbers, installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in an MRB. This 
condition could result

[[Page 60378]]

in failure of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 25, 2019.

(d) 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.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 25 hours time-in-service, and thereafter at each 100-hour 
inspection or annual inspection, whichever occurs first:
    (1) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass and a light, 
inspect each MRB trim tab end at the trailing edge corner where the 
trim tab and MRB meet for a crack. If there is a crack, before 
further flight, replace the MRB.
    (2) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass and a light, 
inspect the top and bottom surface of each MRB adjacent to the 
inboard trim tab corner for a crack, from the trailing edge towards 
the leading edge. If there is a crack, before further flight, 
replace the MRB.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Galib Abumeri, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; 
telephone (562) 627-5374; 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.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Helicopter Technology Company, LLC Mandatory Service 
Bulletin Notice No. 2100-9, dated May 25, 2017, which is not 
incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the 
subject of this AD. For Helicopter Technology Company, LLC service 
information identified in this AD, contact Helicopter Technology 
Company, LLC, 12902 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90061; telephone 
(310) 523-2750; or at www.helicoptertech.com.
    (2) MD Helicopters Service Bulletin No. SB369D-221, SB369E-119, 
SB369F-106, SB369H-257, SB500N-057, and SB600N-069, each dated April 
2, 2018, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional 
information about the subject of this AD. For MD Helicopters service 
information identified in this AD, contact MD Helicopters, Inc., 
Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Rd., Mail Stop 
M615, Mesa, AZ 85215-9734; telephone 1-800-388-3378; fax 480-346-
6813; or at http://www.mdhelicopters.com.
    (3) You may review a copy of information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210 Main Rotor 
Blade.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 14, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-25497 Filed 11-23-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P