Proposed Rule2024-17339
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, LLC, Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
August 8, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain MD Helicopters, LLC (MDHI), Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a seized and damaged roller bearing in the pilot interconnecting cyclic torque tube (torque tube) assembly. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the torque tube assembly for corrosion and cracks and the roller bearings for corrosion and degradation. This proposed AD would also require repetitively inspecting the torque tube assembly for freedom- of-movement. Depending on the results, this proposed AD would require replacing parts or accomplishing additional inspections. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 153 (Thursday, August 8, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 153 (Thursday, August 8, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64834-64837]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-17339]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 153 / Thursday, August 8, 2024 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 64834]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2011; Project Identifier AD-2023-01121-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, LLC, Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain MD Helicopters, LLC (MDHI), Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E,
369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a seized and damaged
roller bearing in the pilot interconnecting cyclic torque tube (torque
tube) assembly. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting
the torque tube assembly for corrosion and cracks and the roller
bearings for corrosion and degradation. This proposed AD would also
require repetitively inspecting the torque tube assembly for freedom-
of-movement. Depending on the results, this proposed AD would require
replacing parts or accomplishing additional inspections. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September
23, 2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2011; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eduardo Orozco-Duran, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone:
(562) 627-5264; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ddb8b9a8bcafb9b2f3b2afb2a7beb2f0b9a8afbcb39dbbbcbcf3bab2ab"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="94f1f0e1f5e6f0fbbafbe6fbeef7fbb9f0e1e6f5fad4f2f5f5baf3fbe2">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-2011; Project Identifier
AD-2023-01121-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Eduardo Orozco-Duran, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5264; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cda8a9b8acbfa9a2e3a2bfa2b7aea2e0a9b8bfaca38dabacace3aaa2bb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e88d8c9d899a8c87c6879a87928b87c58c9d9a8986a88e8989c68f879e">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA received a report of a seized and damaged roller bearing
assembly in the torque tube assembly of an MDHI Model MD369E
helicopter. This damage did not allow the torque tube to rotate as
designed, which initiated a crack and resulted in an emergency landing.
The seized roller bearings were due to rust compounded with dried
grease residue and an aggressive chemical environment. Because the
seized roller bearings did not allow the torque tube to rotate freely,
additional torsional stresses occurred on the torque tube, causing a
crack to initiate and eventually propagate until the part failed and
longitudinal control was lost. Since MDHI Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369F,
369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters have the
same torque tube assembly installed, they are also affected by this
unsafe condition.
Accordingly, this proposed AD would require repetitively visually
inspecting the torque tube for corrosion and cracks, repetitively
visually inspecting the roller bearings for corrosion and degradation,
performing a repetitive freedom-of-movement inspection of the torque
tube assembly for binding or ratcheting, and corrective or additional
action as necessary. This condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced controllability and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition
[[Page 64835]]
described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of
the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require repetitive visual inspections of the
torque tube assembly for cracks and corrosion and the roller bearings
for corrosion and degradation. This proposed AD would also require
repetitively inspecting the freedom of movement of the torque tube
assembly for binding and ratcheting. Depending on the results, this
proposed AD would require replacing parts or accomplishing additional
inspections.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 353 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are
estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Visually inspecting the torque tube and roller bearings would take
approximately 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter
and $30,005 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. Inspecting the
torque tube assembly for freedom of movement would take approximately
0.75 work-hour for an estimated cost of $64 per helicopter and $22,595
for U.S fleet cost, per inspection cycle. If required, a more in-depth
inspection of the roller bearings would take approximately 0.25 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter, per instance.
If required, replacing a torque tube would take approximately 6
work-hours and parts would cost approximately $4,773 for an estimated
cost of $5,283 per torque tube replacement. Replacing a roller bearing
would take approximately 6 work-hours and parts would cost
approximately $210 for an estimated cost of $720 per roller bearing
replacement.
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
MD Helicopters, LLC: Docket No. FAA-2024-2011; Project Identifier
AD-2023-01121-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 23, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to MD Helicopters, LLC, Model 369, 369A, 369D,
369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a pilot
interconnecting cyclic torque tube (torque tube) part number
369H7133-7 installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6700, Rotorcraft
Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a seized and damaged roller
bearing in the torque tube assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the torque tube assembly. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within one year
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, accomplish the
actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) Using a flashlight and mirror, visually inspect the torque
tube for corrosion and cracks. If there is any corrosion or a crack,
before further flight, remove the torque tube from service and
install an airworthy torque tube.
(ii) Visually inspect each roller bearing (number 5) as depicted
in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for corrosion and
degradation. If a roller bearing has any corrosion or degradation,
before further flight, remove the roller bearing from service and
install an airworthy roller bearing.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP08AU24.000
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
(2) Before the helicopter accumulates 3,000 total hours TIS or
within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
TIS, perform a freedom-of movement inspection on the torque tube
assembly by accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs
(g)(2)(i) through (v) of this AD.
(i) Disconnect the one-way lock (number 6) of the torque tube by
removing the cotter pin (number 7), nut (number 8), bolt (number 9),
washers (number 10), and slotted bushing (number 11) from the torque
tube assembly as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD.
(ii) Loosen the longitudinal cyclic friction knob (number 12 or
13) of the torque tube assembly as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
(iii) While moving the cyclic control forward and aft to allow
the torque tube assembly to rotate through its full range of motion,
inspect the torque tube assembly for binding and ratcheting.
(A) If there is any binding or ratcheting as a result of the
action required by paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this AD, before further
flight, inspect each roller bearing (number 5) as depicted in Figure
1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for damage. For the purposes of
this inspection, damage may be indicated by corrosion, lack of
lubrication (dry exterior surface), or material degradation.
(B) If any roller bearing (number 5) as depicted in Figure 1 to
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD has any damage, before further flight,
remove the roller bearing from service and install an airworthy
roller bearing.
(iv) If there is not any binding or ratcheting as a result of
the action required by
[[Page 64837]]
paragraph (g)(2)(iii) of this AD or after accomplishing the action
required by paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(B) of this AD, as applicable,
tighten the cyclic friction knob (number 12 or 13) as depicted in
Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(v) Connect the one-way lock (number 6) as depicted in Figure 1
to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD by accomplishing the actions required
by paragraphs (g)(2)(v)(A) and (B).
(A) Install the slotted bushing (number 11), washers (number
10), bolt (number 9), nut (number 8), and new (zero total hours TIS)
cotter pin (number 7) as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD.
(B) Ensure the edge of the slotted bushing (number 11) protrudes
0.010 to 0.080 inch (0.25 to 2.03 mm) above the surface of the
cyclic torque tube after the nut is tightened.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, West Certification 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 responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the manager of the West Certification Branch, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97d6dad8d4d7f1f6f6b9f0f8e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e7a6aaa8a4a7818686c9808891">[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.
(i) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Eduardo Orozco-
Duran, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5264; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6c0908190d1e080342031e03160f034108191e0d022c0a0d0d420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f09594859182949fde9f829f8a939fdd948582919eb0969191de979f86">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on July 31, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-17339 Filed 8-7-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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