Proposed Rule2025-03095
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
February 26, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of significant wear of the control rod assembly and pitch link assembly spherical bearings. This proposed AD would require measuring the radial play of certain control rod assembly and pitch link assembly spherical bearings, reporting the results, and depending on the results, taking corrective action. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing certain control rod assemblies and pitch link assemblies unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 26, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 26, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10705-10708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03095]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0214; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00391-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
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 all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and
MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of
significant wear of the control rod assembly and pitch link assembly
spherical bearings. This proposed AD would require measuring the radial
play of certain control rod assembly and pitch link assembly spherical
bearings, reporting the results, and depending on the results, taking
corrective action. These actions are specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation
by reference. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing certain
control rod assemblies and pitch link assemblies unless certain
requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 14, 2025.
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-2025-0214; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221
8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f2b3b681b297938193dc9787809d8293dc9787"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f4b5b087b491958795da9181869b8495da9181">[email protected]</span></a>; website: 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 Parkway, 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-2025-0214.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Mueller, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (847) 294-7543; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b8f5d1dbd0d9ddd496f296f5cdddd4d4ddcaf8ded9d996dfd7ce"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1a577379727b7f76345034576f7f76767f685a7c7b7b347d756c">[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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0214;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00391-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.
[[Page 10706]]
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
Michael Mueller, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847) 294-7543; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d79abeb4bfb6b2bbf99df99aa2b2bbbbb2a597b1b6b6f9b0b8a1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ffb2969c979e9a93d1b5d1b28a9a93939a8dbf999e9ed1989089">[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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD
2024-0131, dated July 8, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0131) (also referred to as
the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on all Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117 C-2 and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters. The
MCAI states there have been reports of significant wear of the
spherical bearings of control rod assemblies and pitch link assemblies
having part number 105-13122, B623M3001101, D623M3201101, or
D623M3201102. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead
to erroneous pitch and oscillations of the main rotor blades, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is proposing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0214.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0131, which requires a one-time
inspection of the control rod assembly and pitch link assembly
spherical bearings for radial play and, depending on the results,
measuring the radial play of the control rod assembly and pitch link
assembly spherical bearings. Depending on the measurement results, EASA
AD 2024-0131 requires replacing the control rod end. EASA AD 2024-0131
also requires reporting all measurement results to AH [Airbus
Helicopters]. 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.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop on other products of these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2024-0131, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
Additionally, this proposed AD would require taking corrective
action in accordance with the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0131,
which specifies replacing the affected control rod end before further
flight, within 50 hours time-in-service, or within 100 hours time-in-
service, depending on the radial play measurement results.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2024-0131 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2024-0131 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2024-0131 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2024-
0131. Material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0131 for compliance will be
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-0214 after the
FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
This proposed AD would not require inspecting the control rod
assembly and pitch link assembly spherical bearings for play as
specified in the MCAI, since that action is subjective and could vary
from mechanic to mechanic. This proposed AD would require measuring the
radial play of the control rod assembly and pitch link assembly
spherical bearings instead. This proposed AD would also prohibit
installing an affected control rod assembly or pitch link assembly
unless the radial play of the assembly's two spherical bearings is
measured and the radial play of each spherical bearing is equal to or
less than 0.10 mm, whereas the MCAI does not require that installation
limitation.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action.
If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further
rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 180 helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor costs are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Measuring the axial play would take 1 work-hour and reporting the
results
[[Page 10707]]
would take 1 work-hour, for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter
and $30,600 for the U.S. fleet. If required, replacing a control rod or
pitch link assembly would take 1 work-hour and parts would cost $1,650
for an estimated cost of $1,735 per control rod or pitch link assembly
replacement.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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(f), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2025-0214;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00391-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 14, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certified in any
category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an MBB-BK 117 C-2e
designation are Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor
Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of significant wear of the
control rod assembly and pitch link assembly spherical bearings. The
FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address wear of the control rod
assembly and pitch link assembly spherical bearings. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in erroneous pitch and
oscillations of the main rotor blades, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(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 AD 2024-0131,
dated July 8, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0131).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0131
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0131 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) This AD does not adopt paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0131.
(3) Instead of complying with paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-
0131, this AD requires ``Within 100 hours time-in-service after the
effective date of this AD, measure the radial play of the two
spherical bearings of each affected part, as defined in EASA AD
2024-0131, in accordance with the instructions of the ASB, as
defined in EASA AD 2024-0131.''
(4) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2024-0131 specifies reporting
measurement results to AH [Airbus Helicopters] within a certain
compliance time. For this AD, report those measurement results at
the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(4)(i) or (ii) of this
AD.
(i) If the measurement was done on or after the effective date
of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the measurement.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0131.
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected
part, as defined in EASA AD 2024-0131, on any helicopter unless the
radial play of the two spherical bearings of that affected part is
measured by following the actions required by paragraph (2) of EASA
AD 2024-0131 and the radial play of each spherical bearing is equal
to or less than 0.10 mm.
(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 and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2e3efede1e2c4c3c38cc5cdd4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b6f7fbf9f5f6d0d7d798d1d9c0">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 10708]]
(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) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Michael Mueller,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847) 294-7543; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f5b89c969d949099dbbfdbb8809099999087b5939494db929a83"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3974505a51585c55177317744c5c55555c4b795f5858175e564f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0131,
dated July 8, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified 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#5011142310353123317e3525223f20317e3525"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3071744370555143511e5545425f40511e5545">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find this EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4b2d39652225383b2e283f2224250b252a392a652c243d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9dfcb97d0d7cac9dcdacdd0d6d7f9d7d8cbd897ded6cf">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 20, 2025.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-03095 Filed 2-25-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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