[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 13, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8963-8965]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04530]


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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; Amendment 
39-19587; AD 2019-05-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding 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 required 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 new AD retains the 
requirements of AD 97-26-03 and removes a certain M/R mast from the 
applicability. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 17, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of April 17, 2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final 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. It is also available 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1126.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 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 AD, the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by-reference service 
information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to remove AD 97-26-03, Amendment 39-10246 (62 FR 65750, 
December 16, 1997) (AD 97-26-03) and add a new AD. AD 97-26-03 applied 
to 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 
required visual inspections for cracks in the ribbed area of the M/R 
flange and replacing the M/R mast if a crack is found.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 13, 2018 
(83 FR 46426). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2017-0193, dated 
September 29, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0193), issued by EASA, which is the 
Technical Agent for the member States of the European Union. EASA AD 
2017-0193 superseded 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. 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. EASA AD 2017-0193 retains the repetitive inspection 
requirements of the LBA AD but only for helicopters with M/R mast P/N 
4639 305 002.
    Since we issued AD 97-26-03, Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters changed its name to Airbus

[[Page 8964]]

Helicopters Deutschland GmbH. This AD reflects that change and updates 
the contact information to obtain service documentation. Additionally, 
the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service has changed its organizational 
structure. The new structure replaces product directorates with 
functional divisions. We have revised some of the office titles and 
nomenclature throughout this 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).

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.

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 have reviewed the relevant information and determined that 
an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This 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 AD 
requires replacing the M/R mast with an airworthy M/R mast before 
further flight.

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 4639 205 
011.
    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 4639 205 011 or 4639 
205 016.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 62 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Visually inspecting the flange for a crack requires 0.25 work-hour 
for an estimated cost of about $21 per helicopter and $1,302 for the 
U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing the M/R mast requires 10 
work-hours and parts cost $50,000 for an estimated 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 have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that a regulatory distinction is required, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:

2019-05-05 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Amendment 39-19587; 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 4639 205 011 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in an 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).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 17, 2019.

[[Page 8965]]

(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, Amendment 
39-10246 (62 FR 65750, 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 Docket No. FAA-2017-1126.

(k) Subject

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

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB MBB-BK117-
10-114, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 1, 2019.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-04530 Filed 3-12-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P