Rule2021-11810
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 7, 2021
Effective
July 12, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 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. This AD was prompted by an analysis of the main rotor (M/ R) blade loop area. This AD requires repetitive inspections of certain M/R blade thimble areas and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 107 (Monday, June 7, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 107 (Monday, June 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30162-30164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11810]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0196; Project Identifier 2018-SW-021-AD; Amendment
39-21571; AD 2021-11-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
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
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. This AD was prompted by an analysis of the main rotor (M/
R) blade loop area. This AD requires repetitive inspections of certain
M/R blade thimble areas and corrective actions if necessary, as
specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference
(IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 12, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 12,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1f0f5c2f1d4d0c2d09fd4c4c3dec1d09fd4c4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1455506754717567753a7161667b64753a7161">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. 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 on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0196.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0196; 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, the EASA AD, 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; telephone (206) 231-3218; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91faf0e5f9fdf4f4ffbff0e3e3f8f6fee5e5f8d1f7f0f0bff6fee7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2942485d41454c4c4707485b5b404e465d5d40694f4848074e465f">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA AD 2018-0061, dated March 20, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0061), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland
GmbH, Eurocopter Hubschrauber GmbH, Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm
GmbH), Airbus Helicopters Inc. (formerly American Eurocopter LLC) 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, all serial numbers.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to 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 with an
``affected `angle 0' parts'' or ``affected `angle 1' parts'' installed,
as identified in EASA AD 2018-0061. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on March 26, 2021 (86 FR 16121). The NPRM was prompted by new
test results from an analysis of the M/R blade loop area, which
revealed that certain M/R blade thimbles require reduced inspection
intervals. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of
certain M/R blade thimble areas and corrective actions if necessary, as
specified in EASA AD 2018-0061. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
composite failure of the M/R blades, resulting in loss of control of
[[Page 30163]]
the helicopter. See EASA AD 2018-0061 for additional background
information.
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 2018-0061 specifies compliance intervals to repetitively
inspect certain M/R blades, with a blade sweep angle of 1 degree, for
cracks and resin chippings in the area of the greater thimble radius
and corrective actions, if there is a crack or anomaly. EASA AD 2018-
0061 also specifies compliance intervals to repetitively inspect
certain M/R blades, with a blade sweep angle of 0 degrees, for cracks
and bulging in the teflon foil in the area of the greater thimble
radius and corrective actions, if there is a crack or bulge. Corrective
actions include dispatching the M/R blades to an authorized repair
station, as required.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2018-0061 applies to 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, whereas this AD applies to 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 with certain M/R blades installed instead. The service
information required by EASA AD 2018-0061 requires accomplishment of
certain corrective action by ``ECD'' or an authorized service or repair
station, whereas this AD requires performing the corrective action in
accordance with FAA-approved procedures instead. EASA AD 2018-0061
requires revising the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP), whereas this
AD does not. EASA AD 2018-0061 allows a tolerance to compliance times,
whereas this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 216 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 an M/R blade thimble area takes about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of about $85 per M/R blade thimble, per inspection
cycle.
Repairing or replacing an M/R blade takes up to about 20 work-hours
and parts cost up to about $23,100 for an estimated cost of up to
$24,800 per blade.
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 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 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-11-09 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21571;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0196; Project Identifier 2018-SW-021-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 12, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs None
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to 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, certificated in any
category, with an ``affected `angle 0' parts'' or ``affected `angle
1' parts'' installed, as identified in European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-
0061, dated March 20, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0061).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by new test results from a composite
analysis of the main rotor (M/R) blade loop area, which revealed
that certain M/R blade thimbles require reduced inspection
intervals. The FAA is issuing this AD to address composite failure
of an M/R blade, which if not addressed could result in subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(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, EASA AD 2018-0061.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0061
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0061 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0061 refers to flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Where Table 1, Table 2, and Note 2 of EASA AD 2018-0061
specify inspection
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thresholds, intervals, and a non-cumulative compliance time
tolerance of 10% for certain required compliance times, this AD
requires accomplishing those requirements, as follows:
(i) For helicopters with an ``affected `angle 0' parts,'' the
compliance time is before accumulating 660 total hours TIS on the
affected part or within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, and without accumulating 1,600
total hours TIS on the affected part. Thereafter, the compliance
time is at intervals not to exceed 330 hours TIS.
(ii) For helicopters with an ``affected `angle 1' parts,'' the
compliance time is before accumulating 110 total hours TIS on the
affected part or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, and without accumulating 950 total
hours TIS on the affected part. Thereafter, the compliance time is
at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS.
(iii) For helicopters specified in paragraph (c) of this AD,
Note 1 of EASA AD 2018-0061 specifies accumulated FH as, ``Unless
otherwise specified, the FH specified in Table 2 of this AD are
those accumulated since the previous M/R blade thimble inspection.''
This AD requires intervals thereafter to be accumulated since
accomplishment of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(4) While paragraph (5) and Note 3 of EASA AD 2018-0061 specify
revising the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP), this AD does not
require this action.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-
0061 specifies accomplishment of certain corrective action by
``ECD'' or an authorized service or repair station, this AD requires
the corrective actions to be performed by a qualified mechanic.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-
0061 specifies contacting ``ECD'' or an authorized service or repair
station, this AD requires performing the corrective action in
accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
(7) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0061 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) 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 (j) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8db4a0ccdbdea0ccc4dfa0babebda0ccc0c2cecdebececa3eae2fb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="053c2844535628444c57283236352844484a46456364642b626a73">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti,
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; telephone (206)
231-3218; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b7dcd6c3dfdbd2d2d999d6c5c5ded0d8c3c3def7d1d6d699d0d8c1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="214a4055494d44444f0f40535348464e555548614740400f464e57">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0061, dated
March 20, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018-0061, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1d5c596e5d787c6e7c3378686f726d7c337868"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="57161324173236243679322225382736793222">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(4) 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.
(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, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0f696a6b7d6a6821636a686e634f616e7d6e21686079"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="46202322342321682a2321272a062827342768212930">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on May 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-11810 Filed 6-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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