[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33103-33105]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13128]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0254; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00481-R; 
Amendment 39-21595; AD 2021-12-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(AHD) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of chafing marks on the 
wiring harness behind the middle side panels in the area of the front 
passenger (PAX) panels. This AD requires inspecting, modifying, and 
rerouting the wiring harness, as specified in a European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 29, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 29, 
2021.

[[Page 33104]]


ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR information on the EASA 
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. 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.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may view this material at the 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. It is also available in the AD docket 
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0254.

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-2021-
0254; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The 
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: Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, 
Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone 562-627-5371; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0305, dated December 17, 2019 
(EASA AD 2019-0305), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters 
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on April 2, 2021 (86 FR 17330). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of chafing marks on the wiring harness behind the 
middle side panels in the area of the front PAX panels. The NPRM 
proposed to require inspecting, modifying, and rerouting the wiring 
harness, as specified in the EASA AD.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent electrical failure of the 
helicopter wiring harness. See the EASA AD for additional background 
information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2019-0305 specifies inspecting the wiring harness installed 
behind the front PAX panel of the left and right hand middle side 
panels and depending on the results, repairing or modifying the wiring 
harness. For a modified wiring harness, EASA AD 2019-0305 specifies 
repetitively inspecting for damage.
    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) MBB-BK117 D-2-88A-003, Revision 1 and dated December 9, 2019 (ASB 
MBB-BK117 D-2-88A-003). ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-88A-003 applies to Model MBB-
BK-117 D-2 and D-2m helicopters. This service information specifies 
inspecting, repairing, and modifying the wiring harness installed 
behind the front PAX panel of the left and right hand middle side 
panels. This material 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.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    Where the EASA AD refers to flight hours, this AD uses hours time-
in-service (TIS) instead. Where the EASA AD allows a tolerance to the 
compliance time of certain initial and repetitive inspections, this AD 
requires a compliance time of within 440 hours TIS after modification 
of an affected part for a certain initial inspection and thereafter at 
intervals within 440 hours TIS for certain repetitive inspections 
instead. Where the EASA AD requires repetitive inspections in 
accordance with paragraph 3.B.8. of ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-88A-003, this AD 
requires repetitive inspections in accordance with paragraph 3.B.9. of 
ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-88A-003.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 60 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD. Inspecting the wiring harness 
takes about 6 work-hours for an estimated cost of $510 per helicopter 
and $30,600 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. Modification 
during the inspection of the wiring harness takes about 6 work-hours 
for an estimated cost of $510 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.
    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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities

[[Page 33105]]

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 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-12-08 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
21595; Docket No. FAA-2021-0254; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00481-
R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 29, 2021.

((b) Affected Airworthiness Directives

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 
Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 1497, Miscellaneous 
Wiring.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of chafing marks found on the 
wiring harness behind the middle side panels, in the area of the 
front passenger panels. Further investigations identified low 
clearance between the harness and the surrounding structure. Airbus 
Helicopters identified the cause of the chafing marks as contact of 
the harness with the front passenger panel screws. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent electrical failure of the helicopter 
wiring harness.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

((g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2019-0305, dated December 17, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0305).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0305

    (1) Where EASA AD 2019-0305 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2019-0305 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (3) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2019-0305 specifies a 
compliance time for the initial inspection of within 400 flight 
hours after the modification of an affected part and thereafter at 
intervals not exceeding 400 flight hours, plus a non-cumulative 
tolerance of 40 flight hours, this AD requires a compliance time of 
within 440 hours TIS after the modification of an affected part for 
the initial inspection and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 440 
hours TIS.
    (4) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD specifies repetitive 
inspections in accordance with paragraph 3.B.8. of the referenced 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB), this AD requires repetitive 
inspections in accordance with paragraph 3.B.9. of ASB MBB-BK117 D-
2-88A-003, Revision 1 and dated December 9, 2019.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-
0305 specifies to use tooling, equivalent tooling may be used.
    (6) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0305 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are not allowed.

 (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Blaine Williams, 
Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; 
telephone 562-627-5371; email [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0305, 
dated December 17, 2019.
    (ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-BK117 D-
2-88A-003, Revision 1, dated December 9, 2019.
    (3) For EASA AD 2019-0305, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) For Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-BK117 
D-2-88A-003, Revision 1, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North 
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.
    (5) You may view this service information at the 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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0254.
    (6) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 28, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13128 Filed 6-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P