Rule2022-08487
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 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
April 21, 2022
Effective
May 26, 2022
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 C-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of restricted collective lever movement caused by entanglement of the emergency flashlight strap with the cargo hook emergency release lever, causing the emergency flashlight to leave its seat. This AD requires replacing each affected emergency flashlight with a serviceable part, 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 87 Issue 77 (Thursday, April 21, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 77 (Thursday, April 21, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23751-23753]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08487]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 77 / Thursday, April 21, 2022 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 23751]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0100; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01128-R;
Amendment 39-22018; AD 2022-08-15]
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 C-2
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of restricted collective
lever movement caused by entanglement of the emergency flashlight strap
with the cargo hook emergency release lever, causing the emergency
flashlight to leave its seat. This AD requires replacing each affected
emergency flashlight with a serviceable part, 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 May 26, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 26,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4504013605202436246b2030372a35246b2030"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9adbdee9dafffbe9fbb4ffefe8f5eafbb4ffef">[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>. For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this final rule, 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>. 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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0100.
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-2022-0100; 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: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4829262c3a2d29662221252d262d32082e2929662f273e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c0d02081e090d42060501090209162c0a0d0d420b031a">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0231, dated October 15, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0231), to correct an unsafe condition for all serial-
numbered Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-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 Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, certificated
in any category. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February
15, 2022 (87 FR 8439). The NPRM was prompted by a report of restricted
collective lever movement caused by entanglement of the emergency
flashlight strap with the cargo hook emergency release lever, causing
the emergency flashlight to leave its seat. The NPRM proposed to
require replacing each affected emergency flashlight with a serviceable
part, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0231.
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 2021-0231 requires replacing each affected emergency
flashlight with a serviceable part. EASA AD 2021-0231 also specifies
that an affected part can be modified and re-identified into a
serviceable part. EASA AD 2021-0231 also prohibits the installation of
an affected part.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB
MBB-BK117 C-2-25A-021, Revision 0, dated August 25, 2021. This service
information specifies procedures for removing the strap from the
emergency flashlight and then writing a new part number on the
emergency flashlight.
[[Page 23752]]
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2021-0231 requires compliance within 12 months after the
effective date of the EASA AD, whereas this AD requires compliance
within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 117 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.
Replacing an emergency flashlight takes about 1 work-hour and parts
cost about $219 for an estimated cost of $304 per flashlight and up to
$35,568 for the U.S. fleet. Alternatively, modifying an emergency
flashlight takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per
flashlight.
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 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:
2022-08-15 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
22018; Docket No. FAA-2022-0100; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01128-
R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 26, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2510, Flight
Compartment Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of restricted collective lever
movement. Subsequent inspection determined that the emergency
flashlight was stuck under that lever caused by entanglement of the
emergency flashlight strap with the cargo hook emergency release
lever, causing the emergency flashlight to leave its seat. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address entanglement of the emergency
flashlight strap with the cargo hook emergency release lever. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control
of the helicopter, possibly resulting in damage to the helicopter
and injury to occupants.
(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
2021-0231, dated October 15, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0231).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0231
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0231 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0231.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0231 requires replacing
each affected part with a serviceable part within 12 months, this AD
requires compliance within 3 months after the effective date of this
AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0231
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(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#5d64701c0b0e701c140f706a6e6d701c10121e1d3b3c3c733a322b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="487165091e1b6509011a657f7b78650905070b082e2929662f273e">[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 Andrea Jimenez,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8feee1ebfdeaeea1e5e6e2eae1eaf5cfe9eeeea1e8e0f9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7a1b141e081f1b541013171f141f003a1c1b1b541d150c">[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 2021-0231,
dated October 15, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0231, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0a4b4e794a6f6b796b246f7f78657a6b246f7f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b3a3f083b1e1a081a551e0e09140b1a551e0e">[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.,
[[Page 23753]]
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-
2022-0100.
(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#1a7c68347374696a7f796e7375745a747b687b347d756c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="660014480f0815160305120f0908260807140748010910">[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 April 7, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-08487 Filed 4-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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