Rule2021-26497
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
December 7, 2021
Effective
January 11, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of chafing marks on a wiring harness near the locking washer of the lateral control rod. This AD requires an inspection of the wiring harness and the routing of the wiring harness and corrective actions if necessary, 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 232 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69163-69165]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26497]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0779; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01505-R;
Amendment 39-21817; AD 2021-23-18]
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
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of chafing marks on a
wiring harness near the locking washer of the lateral control rod. This
AD requires an inspection of the wiring harness and the routing of the
wiring harness and corrective actions if necessary, 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 January 11, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 11,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e2a3a691a287839183cc8797908d9283cc8797"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="78393c0b381d190b19561d0d0a170819561d0d">[email protected]</span></a>; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 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 incorporated by
reference is also available in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0779.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0779; 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
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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: Jacob Fitch, Aerospace Engineer, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; phone: (817) 222-4130; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f09a91939f92de9699849398b0969191de979f86"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0e646f6d616c2068677a6d664e686f6f20696178">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 69164]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0246, dated November 10, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0246), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH, formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
Model MBB-BK 117 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 certain Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021 (86 FR 51042).
The NPRM was prompted by a report of chafing marks on a wiring harness
near the locking washer of the lateral control rod. The NPRM proposed
to require an inspection of the wiring harness and the routing of the
wiring harness and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in
EASA AD 2020-0246.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address chafing marks on a wiring
harness near the locking washer of the lateral control rod. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in in-flight loss of the
hoist load and possible personal injury, or could generate a burning
smell and possible need for the flight crew to implement the applicable
emergency procedure. See EASA AD 2020-0246 for additional background
information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
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 about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0246 requires an inspection of the wiring harness and
the routing of the wiring harness for discrepancies (includes damaged
wire harnesses and insufficient clearances) and corrective actions
(includes repair of wire harnesses and re-routing the wire harness) if
necessary, and an update of the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) to
incorporate certain tasks. 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
EASA AD 2020-0246 requires revising the ``Aircraft Maintenance
Programme (AMP),'' whereas this proposed AD would not because not all
U.S. operators are required to have a maintenance program.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 31 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection...................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $85 $2,635
$85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs
and re-routing that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these repairs:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Repairs and re-routing....................... Up to 1 work-hour x $85 per hour * $0 $85
= $85.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition repairs
specified in this AD.
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,
[[Page 69165]]
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 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:
2021-23-18 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21817;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0779; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01505-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 11, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-
0246, dated November 10, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0246).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2597, Equip/
Furnishing System Wiring.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of chafing marks on a wiring
harness near the locking washer of the lateral control rod. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address chafing marks on a wiring harness near
the locking washer of the lateral control rod. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in in-flight loss of the hoist load
and possible personal injury, or could generate a burning smell and
possible need for the flight crew to implement the applicable
emergency procedure.
(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 2020-0246.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0246
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0246 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2020-0246 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0246 specifies to update
the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) with certain tasks included
in the service information referenced by EASA AD 2020-0246, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(4) This AD does not require the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2020-0246.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
actions of this AD can be performed, provided that no debris from
chafing is visible that would allow jamming or fouling of the flight
controls, the chafing does not interfere with the flight controls by
jamming or fouling, and the systems impacted by the wiring harness
are rendered inoperable by collaring the circuit breaker.
(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#ba8397fbece997fbf3e8978d898a97fbf7f5f9fadcdbdb94ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a13076b7c79076b6378071d191a076b6765696a4c4b4b044d455c">[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 Jacob Fitch,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-4130; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c8a2a9aba7aae6aea1bcaba088aea9a9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e58f84868a87cb838c91868da5838484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 2020-0246,
dated November 10, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved].
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0246, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dc9d98af9cb9bdafbdf2b9a9aeb3acbdf2b9a9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1352576053767260723d7666617c63723d7666">[email protected]</span></a>; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the
EASA 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. This material may be
found in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0779.
(5) 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#0365712d6a6d70736660776a6c6d436d6271622d646c75"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="771105591e1904071214031e1819371916051659101801">[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 November 4, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26497 Filed 12-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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