[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 137 (Thursday, July 16, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43153-43160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15313]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 137 / Thursday, July 16, 2020 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 43153]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4497; Product Identifier 2016-SW-011-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model BO-
105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, 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. This 
proposed AD would require inspecting the starter-generator electrical 
ground connection, retrofitting the starter-generator wire harness, and 
depending on model, revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for 
your helicopter. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a loss of 
electrical ground between the starter-generator and the generator 
voltage regulator (regulator). The proposed actions are intended to 
correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 
14, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4497; or in person at the Docket Operations Office 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 (now 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) ADs, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations Office is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.
    For Airbus Helicopters and Eurocopter 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 https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may view 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Schwab, 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

    The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. 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.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well 
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this 
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the 
closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after 
the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without 
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light 
of the comments received.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you 
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page 
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat 
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will 
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing 
CBI should be sent to George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety 
Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015-0098, dated June 2, 2015, 
and EASA AD No. 2015-0220, dated November 9, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0220), 
to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters (previously 
Eurocopter Deutschland

[[Page 43154]]

GmbH) Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, 
MBB-BK117 B-2, and MBB-BK117 C-1 helicopters, and Airbus Helicopters 
Model BO105 A, BO105 C, BO105 D, and BO105 S helicopters with certain 
part-numbered voltage regulators, respectively. EASA advises of a 
report of damaged electronic equipment caused by an in-flight 
overvoltage in the electrical power system of a Model MBB-BK117 
helicopter. Due to design similarity, a similar occurrence could affect 
Model BO105 helicopters. According to EASA, the overvoltage was caused 
by an interruption of the electrical ground between the starter 
generator and the regulator due to a break in a wire terminal attached 
at Terminal E. EASA further advises that use of an outdated RFM 
revision for Model MBB-BK117 helicopters could lead to the use of 
incorrect emergency procedures in the event of an overvoltage.
    For these reasons, the EASA ADs require recurring inspections of 
the wire terminals and measurements of the resistance between the 
starter generator and the regulator, as well as modifying the ground 
reference line and, for Model MBB-BK117 helicopters, revising the RFM.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA of the 
unsafe condition described in its ADs. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the 
same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) issued Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. ASB-MBB-BK117-90-118, Revision 2, dated May 4, 2009, for 
certain Model MBB-BK117 helicopters and ASB No. ASB BO105-90-103, 
Revision 4, dated June 21, 2010, for certain Model BO105 helicopters. 
This service information specifies a visual inspection for damage, 
corrosion, and cracks and measuring the resistance of the left-hand and 
right-hand electrical ground connections between each starter-generator 
and the regulator. If there is damage or suspected damage, or if the 
resistance is out of tolerance, this service information specifies 
replacing the wire terminal. This service information also specifies 
performing the visual inspection and resistance measurement each time 
the starter generator is removed or the wiring is disconnected until a 
retrofit ground connection is installed.
    Eurocopter also issued Eurocopter Flight Manual BK117 A-3 Temporary 
Revision 9, Eurocopter Flight Manual BK117 A-4 Temporary Revision 5, 
Eurocopter Flight Manual BK117 B-1 Temporary Revision 6, Eurocopter 
Flight Manual BK 117 B-2 Temporary Revision 1, and Eurocopter Flight 
Manual BK 117 C-1 Temporary Revision 2, all dated September 22, 2006, 
to provide updated procedures in the event of a generator failure.
    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

    Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) issued Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. SB BO105-90-104, Revision 1, dated June 21, 2010, for certain Model 
BO105 helicopters. This service information specifies procedures for 
installing a retrofit ground connection of the starter-generator for 
certain Model BO105 helicopters.
    Eurocopter issued ASB No. ASB-BO 105-80-118, Revision 1, dated 
November 29, 1995, and SB No. SB-BO105-80-119, dated November 7, 1994, 
both for certain Model BO105 helicopters. This service information 
specifies retrofitting certain helicopters with voltage regulators that 
incorporate overvoltage protection by modifying the main relay box, 
modifying the overhead panel, and performing a functional test.
    Eurocopter issued Information Notice No. 2370-I-24, Revision 0, 
dated November 15, 2011, for certain Model BO105 helicopters to provide 
notice that a modified starter-generator may only be installed on 
helicopters that have also been modified. This service information 
states that combining modified with non-modified can cause overvoltage 
in the electrical system during the first ground run following engine 
replacement and subsequent damage to electronic equipment. This service 
information also recommends retrofitting all helicopters approved to 
only fly under visual flight rules.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 50 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), visually inspecting the electrical ground connection of each 
starter-generator and measuring the resistance between each starter-
generator and its regulator. Depending on these outcomes, this proposed 
AD would require replacing the wire terminal. Within 150 hours TIS, 
this proposed AD would require installing a wire harness retrofit.
    For Model MBB-BK 117 helicopters, this proposed AD would also 
require revising the RFM for your helicopter.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA ADs

    The EASA ADs require visually inspecting the wire terminals for 
damage, corrosion, and cracks. This proposed AD would require visually 
inspecting for a crack, a kink, fraying, looseness, missing material, 
and corrosion.
    The EASA ADs require repeating the visual inspection and resistance 
measurement each time a starter-generator is removed or the wiring is 
disconnected from a starter-generator. This proposed AD would not 
because such a compliance time would be difficult to enforce.
    EASA AD 2015-0220 requires additional actions for Model BO-105 
helicopters with a serial number up to 0160 than for helicopters with a 
serial number 0161 and larger. This proposed AD would require the same 
actions for all Model BO-105 helicopters regardless of serial number.
    EASA AD 2015-0220 allows credit for complying with Eurocopter ASB 
No. ASB BO105-90-103, Revision 2 or Revision 3, whereas this proposed 
AD would not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 40 Model BO-105 
helicopters and 44 Model MBB-BK 117 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The 
FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this proposed AD using an estimated labor cost of $85 per 
work-hour.
    Performing a visual inspection and resistance measurement of the 
electrical ground connection would take about 2 work-hours for an 
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $14,280 for the U.S. fleet 
per inspection and measurement.
    Performing the retrofit of the wiring harness would take about 10 
work-hours. Required parts for a Model BO-105 helicopter would cost 
$2,509 for an estimated replacement cost of $3,359 per helicopter and 
$134,360 for the U.S. fleet. Required parts for a Model MBB-BK 117 
helicopter would cost $1,730 for an estimated replacement cost of 
$2,580 per helicopter and $113,520 for the U.S. fleet. Revising the RFM 
for Model MBB-BK 117 helicopters would take about 0.5 work-hour, for an 
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $1,892 for the U.S. fleet.

[[Page 43155]]

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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.

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):

Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Type Certificate Previously 
Held by Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Docket No. FAA-2015-4497; 
Product Identifier 2016-SW-011-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH (Type Certificate previously held by Eurocopter Deutschland 
GmbH) helicopters, certificated in any category:
    (1) Model BO-105A, BO-105C, and BO-105S helicopters with a 
voltage regulator part number (P/N) 51565-000, 51565-000R, or 51509-
002R installed; and
    (2) 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.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as loss of electrical 
ground between the starter-generator and the generator voltage 
regulator (regulator). This condition could result in an overvoltage 
of electrical power, damage to electronic equipment, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by September 14, 2020.

(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

    (1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Visually inspect the wire terminal of wire P55F16N/P56F16N 
for Model BO-105A, BO-105C, and BO-105S helicopters and wire 
1PA53B20/2PA53B20 for 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 on Terminal E of each starter-generator for a crack, a 
kink, fraying, looseness, missing material, and corrosion. If there 
is a crack, a kink, fraying, looseness, missing material, or any 
corrosion, before further flight, replace the wire terminal.
    (ii) Measure the resistance between each starter-generator and 
its regulator in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 2.A.2.3. of Eurocopter ASB No. ASB BO105-90-103, Revision 
4, dated June 21, 2010, or paragraphs 2.A.2.3. and 2.A.2.5. of 
Eurocopter ASB No. ASB-MBB-BK117-90-118, Revision 2, dated May 4, 
2009, as applicable to your model helicopter. If the resistance is 
more than 500 milliohms, before further flight, replace the wire 
terminal.
    (2) Within 150 hours TIS:
    (i) Install a wire harness from each generator voltage regulator 
as follows.
    (A) For Model BO-105A, BO-105C, and BO-105S helicopters: wire 
harness P/N 105-90081.
    (B) For Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, 
MBB-BK 117 B-1, and MBB-BK 117 B-2 helicopters: wire harness P/N 
117-901941.
    (C) For Model MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters: wire harness P/N 117-
901961.
    (ii) For Model 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, revise the 
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter to include the 
information in Section 3 Emergency and Malfunction Procedures of the 
following temporary revisions, as applicable to your helicopter: 
Eurocopter Flight Manual BK117 A-3 Temporary Revision 9, Eurocopter 
Flight Manual BK117 A-4 Temporary Revision 5, Eurocopter Flight 
Manual BK117 B-1 Temporary Revision 6, Eurocopter Flight Manual BK 
117 B-2 Temporary Revision 1, or Eurocopter Flight Manual BK 117 C-1 
Temporary Revision 2, all dated September 22, 2006. Using a later 
RFM revision with information identical to that contained in the 
temporary revision specified for your helicopter is acceptable for 
compliance with the requirement of this paragraph.
    (iii) For Model MBB-BK 117 A-1 helicopters, revise Section 3 
Emergency and Malfunction Procedures of the RFM for your helicopter 
to include the information in Figures 1 through 3 to paragraph 
(e)(2)(iii) of this AD.
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(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, 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, the FAA suggests 
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) The following documents, which are not incorporated by 
reference, contain additional information about the subject of this 
AD: Eurocopter ASB No. ASB-BO 105-80-118, Revision 1, dated November 
29, 1995; Eurocopter Information Notice No. 2370-I-24, Revision 0, 
dated November 15, 2011; Eurocopter SB No. SB-BO105-80-119, dated 
November 7, 1994; and Eurocopter SB No. SB BO105-90-104, Revision 1, 
dated June 21, 2010. For Airbus Helicopters and Eurocopter 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 https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may view a copy of 
this 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 (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
No. 2015-0098, dated June 2, 2015, and EASA AD No. 2015-0220, dated 
November 9, 2015. You may view the EASA ADs on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-4497.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2497, Electrical 
Power System Wiring.

    Issued on July 10, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-15313 Filed 7-15-20; 8:45 am]
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