Rule2023-27111
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
December 11, 2023
Effective
January 16, 2024
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-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by recalculations of the inspection intervals for certain parts. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing helicopter maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness for your helicopter and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program for your helicopter, as applicable, to reduce the inspection interval of certain parts, 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 88 Issue 236 (Monday, December 11, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 236 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 85833-85836]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27111]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1816; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01460-R;
Amendment 39-22599; AD 2023-22-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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[[Page 85834]]
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-3
helicopters. This AD was prompted by recalculations of the inspection
intervals for certain parts. This AD requires revising the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing helicopter
maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness for your
helicopter and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program
for your helicopter, as applicable, to reduce the inspection interval
of certain parts, 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 16, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 16,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1816; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material that is incorporated by reference 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#b0f1f4c3f0d5d1c3d19ed5c5c2dfc0d19ed5c5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0140457241646072602f6474736e71602f6474">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> 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 at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1816.
Other Related Service Information: 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="http://airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld">airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld</a>. You may also
view this service information at the FAA contact information under
Material Incorporated by Reference above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan McCully, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone (303)
342-1080; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#42352b2e2e2b232f6c2f2121372e2e3b022423236c252d34"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="93e4fafffffaf2febdfef0f0e6ffffead3f5f2f2bdf4fce5">[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 2021-0290, dated December 23, 2021;
corrected December 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0290), to correct an unsafe
condition for all serial-numbered Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Model MBB-BK117 D-3 and D-3m 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 D-3 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on September 7, 2023 (88 FR 61485).
The NPRM was prompted by recalculations of the inspection intervals for
certain parts. The NPRM proposed to require accomplishing the actions
specified in EASA AD 2021-0290, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD and except as discussed under ``Differences Between this AD and
the EASA AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2023-1816.
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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0290 requires replacing components before exceeding
their life limits and accomplishing maintenance tasks within thresholds
and intervals specified in the applicable ALS. Depending on the results
of the maintenance tasks, EASA AD 2021-0290 requires accomplishing
corrective action(s) or contacting AHD [Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH] for approved instructions and accomplishing those instructions.
EASA AD 2021-0290 also requires revising the Aircraft Maintenance
Programme (AMP) by incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated
thresholds and intervals described in the specified ALS as applicable
to helicopter model and configuration. Revising the AMP constitutes
terminating action for the requirements to replace components before
exceeding their life limits and accomplish maintenance tasks within
thresholds and intervals specified in the applicable ALS as required by
EASA AD 2021-0290.
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 reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-
BK117 D-3-04A-001, Revision 0, dated December 22, 2021. This service
information specifies checking the total accumulated flight hours since
new for bolt part number (P/N) D671M7501201, bolt P/N D671M7501211, and
mast bolt P/N D620M0501203, and accomplishing the airworthiness
inspection within the reduced airworthiness inspection interval of 400
flight hours.
The FAA also reviewed Airbus MBB-BK117 D-3 Chapter 04, ALS,
Revision 1, dated December 14, 2021. This service information specifies
airworthiness limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and
intervals for various parts. Revision 1 of this service information
specifies various updates for certain components.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2021-0290 applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-3m helicopters,
whereas this AD does not because that model is not FAA type-
certificated.
EASA AD 2021-0290 requires replacing certain components before
exceeding applicable life limits, accomplishing certain maintenance
tasks within thresholds and intervals as
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specified in the ALS, as defined within, and depending on the results,
accomplishing corrective action within the compliance time specified in
that ALS. EASA AD 2021-0290 also requires revising the approved AMP to
incorporate the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and
intervals described in that ALS within 12 months after its effective
date. Whereas, this AD requires revising existing documents and
programs within 30 days to incorporate the limitations, tasks, and
associated thresholds and intervals described in that ALS, and
clarifies that if an incorporated limitation or threshold therein is
reached before 30 days after the effective date of this final rule, you
still have up to 30 days after the effective date of this final rule to
accomplish the corresponding task.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 29 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.
Revising the ALS of the existing helicopter maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness for your helicopter and the
existing approved maintenance or inspection program for your
helicopter, as applicable, will take about 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $4,930 for the U.S. fleet.
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:
2023-22-15: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
22599; Docket No. FAA-2023-1816; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01460-
R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 16, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor
Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by recalculations of the inspection
intervals for certain parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to reduce
the inspection intervals for certain parts. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in failure of a part and loss of control
of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
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
2021-0290, dated December 23, 2021; corrected December 23, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0290).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0290
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0290 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in
paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2021-0290.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0290 specifies revising
``the approved AMP'' within 12 months after its effective date, this
AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section of your
existing helicopter maintenance manual or instructions for continued
airworthiness and your existing approved maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0290 is on or before the applicable
``limitations'' and ``associated thresholds'' as incorporated by the
requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0290, or within 30
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2021-0290.
(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the airworthiness limitations section of the existing
helicopter maintenance manual or instructions for continued
airworthiness; and the existing approved maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, has been revised as required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) and
associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, are
allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of
the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2021-0290.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(k) 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 (l) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ab3a7cbdcd9a7cbc3d8a7bdb9baa7cbc7c5c9caecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="665f4b2730354b272f344b5155564b272b29252600070748010910">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 85836]]
(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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan McCully,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone (303) 342-1080; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ef98868383868e82c1828c8c9a838396af898e8ec1888099"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="63140a0f0f0a020e4d0e0000160f0f1a230502024d040c15">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 2021-0290,
dated December 23, 2021; corrected December 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-
0290).
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0290, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6a2b2e192a0f0b190b440f1f18051a0b440f1f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5e1f1a2d1e3b3f2d3f703b2b2c312e3f703b2b">[email protected]</span></a>; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(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 material 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#aaccd884c3c4d9dacfc9dec3c5c4eac4cbd8cb84cdc5dc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f79185d99e9984879294839e9899b799968596d9909881">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to:
<a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on November 30, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-27111 Filed 12-8-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 11, 2023.
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