Rule2021-13128
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
June 24, 2021
Effective
July 29, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)</title>
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[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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ebaaaf98ab8e8a988ac58e9e99849b8ac58e9e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1051546350757163713e7565627f60713e7565">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR information on the EASA
website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. 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 <a href="http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub">http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub</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 in 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-2021-0254.
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-
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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6f0d030e06010a4118060303060e021c2f090e0e41080019"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="06646a676f686328716f6a6a6f676b754660676728616970">[email protected]</span></a>.
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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#546d7915020779151d06796367647915191b17143235357a333b22"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d74600c1b1e600c041f607a7e7d600c00020e0d2b2c2c632a223b">[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.
(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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f5d535e56515a1148565353565e524c7f595e5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c5e505d555259124b555050555d514f7c5a5d5d125b534a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e6a7a295a683879587c8839394899687c88393"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9edfdaeddefbffedffb0fbebecf1eeffb0fbeb">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(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 <a href="https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html">https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html</a>.
(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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> 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
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#553330312730327b3930323439153b3427347b323a23"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bfd9dadbcddad891d3dad8ded3ffd1decdde91d8d0c9">[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 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
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