[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 48 (Monday, March 15, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14289-14290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05219]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0373; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-14-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated Model 
S-64E and S-64F Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would 
have applied to Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (now Erickson 
Incorporated) (Erickson) Model S-64E and S-64F helicopters. The NPRM 
was prompted by several reports of cracking in the strap and pocket 
areas of the tail rotor blade. The NPRM would have required inspecting 
certain tail rotor blade assemblies (blade assembly) for a crack and 
replacing any cracked blade assembly. Since issuance of the NPRM, the 
FAA has determined that the unsafe condition no longer exists. 
Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

DATES: The FAA is withdrawing the proposed rule published December 31, 
2007 (72 FR 74210), as of March 15, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

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-2007-
0373; 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 action, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is 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: Jonas Perez, Aerospace Engineer, ACO 
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-5145; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA has issued an NPRM that proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by 
adding an AD that would apply to Erickson Model S-64E and S-64F 
helicopters with a blade assembly part number 65161-00001-042 or -043 
installed. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 
31, 2007 (72 FR 74210). The NPRM was prompted by several reports of 
cracking in the strap and pocket areas of the tail rotor blade.
    The NPRM proposed to require determining whether the blade assembly 
has an affected serial number or part marking. If a blade assembly had 
a certain serial number or part marking, the NPRM then proposed to 
require an initial and repetitive inspection of the blade assembly for 
a crack in the strap and pocket areas. If a crack was found, the NPRM 
also proposed to require, before further flight, replacing the blade 
assembly with an airworthy blade assembly that does not have an 
affected serial number or part marking. The proposed actions were 
intended to

[[Page 14290]]

prevent failure of the tail rotor blade and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since issuance of the NPRM, the design approval holder has reviewed 
its records and determined that the affected blade assemblies have been 
removed from service. Therefore, the FAA has determined that AD action 
is not required and the NPRM is withdrawn.
    Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes only such action and does not 
preclude the FAA from further rulemaking on this issue, nor does it 
commit the FAA to any course of action in the future.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The 
FAA received comments from one commenter.
    Erickson requested deletions, corrections, and additions to the 
NPRM. The FAA acknowledges the commenter's requests. However, because 
the FAA is withdrawing the NPRM, the commenter's request is no longer 
necessary.

FAA's Conclusions

    Upon further consideration of the available information, the FAA 
has determined that the NPRM is unnecessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is 
withdrawn.

Regulatory Findings

    Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed 
nor a final rule. This action therefore is not covered under Executive 
Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979).

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Withdrawal

0
Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, Docket No. FAA-2007-
0373, Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-14-AD, which was published in the 
Federal Register on December 31, 2007 (72 FR 74210), is withdrawn.

    Issued on March 8, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05219 Filed 3-12-21; 8:45 am]
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