Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 122 (Monday, June 25, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37777-37779]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-15325]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0659; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-061-AD; 
Amendment 39-17101; AD 2012-12-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 
helicopters. That AD currently requires revising the ``Emergency and 
Malfunction Procedures'' and ``Performance Data'' sections of the 
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting three temporary pages into 
the RFM to alert pilots to monitor the power display when a generator 
is deactivated and provides procedures to prevent failure of the 
remaining generator. Before we issued that AD, the manufacturer 
developed a procedure to modify the two ``After Junction Boxes'' by 
removing a diode from each box, which provides terminating action for 
our AD requirements. These actions are intended to require implementing 
this terminating action to prevent an electrical power system failure 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter and revising the RFM 
accordingly, by removing the temporary pages inserted to comply with 
the superseded AD.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 10, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of July 10, 2012.
    We must receive comments on this AD by August 24, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Examining the AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket 
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact American 
Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775, or at 
http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review a copy of the service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Schwab, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137, telephone (817) 222-5110, email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we 
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written 
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the 
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written 
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should 
submit them only one time. We will file

[[Page 37778]]

in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report 
summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider 
all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based 
on those comments.

Discussion

    On September 29, 2011, we issued AD 2011-21-13 (76 FR 68299, 
November 4, 2011), for all ECD model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. Our AD 
2011-21-13 was based on European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Emergency AD No. 2010-0268-E, dated December 21, 2010 (EAD 2010-0268-
E), requiring the introduction of additional RFM procedures to monitor 
the electrical power display generator amperes (GEN AMPS) on the 
Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) during switching of the 
generator. EASA advised that some ECD MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters 
detected an excessive current flow when one generator was deactivated. 
This situation, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of 
the generator, likely resulting in loss of electrical power and 
inducing loss of systems that are necessary for safe flight. To address 
this unsafe condition, AD 2011-21-13 requires revising the ``Emergency 
and Malfunction Procedures'' and the ``Performance Data'' sections of 
the RFM by inserting three temporary pages from ECD Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008, dated December 20, 2010 
(MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008). Those pages require operators to insert pages 
into the RFM, which provide that pilots visually monitor the power 
display GEN AMPS on the VEMD for too high of a current when a generator 
is shut down, such as during the ENGINE POWER CHECK. These revised RFM 
provisions provide for switching off the two main electrical buses on 
the overhead panel to prevent the operating generator from being 
damaged when the other generator is shut down. We issued AD 2011-21-13 
to prevent failure of a generator, which could result in loss of 
electrical power, loss of systems necessary for flight safety, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Before we issued AD 2011-21-13 (76 FR 68299, November 4, 2011), 
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2011-0162, dated August 30, 2011 (AD 
2011-0162). In AD 2011-0162, EASA states that ECD has developed a 
modification to prevent the possibility of too high current flow when a 
generator is deactivated, and updated the RFM procedures accordingly. 
This EASA AD requires the RFM changes introduced by EAD 2010-0268-E to 
be removed. The EASA AD also requires modification of the Generator 
Relay left-hand and right-hand After Junction Boxes by removing diodes, 
CR10007 and CR10008, respectively, on ECD MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters, 
serial numbers 9004 through 9500. Through this AD action, the FAA is 
requiring this same modification to the After Junction Boxes in 
helicopters registered in the United States and removal of the same 
pages from the RFM that were introduced by AD 2011-21-13.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and are approved for operation in 
the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the FRG, 
EASA, their technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe 
condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe 
condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the 
same type design.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed ECD ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008, Revision 1, dated August 
29, 2011. The ASB describes procedures for removing two diodes on the 
generator relays in the After Junction Boxes. EASA classified this ASB 
as mandatory and issued AD 2011-0162 to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these helicopters.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 30 days, removing temporary pages from the 
RFM that were inserted for AD 2011-21-13. This AD also requires 
modifying Generator Relay left-hand and right-hand After Junction Boxes 
by removing diodes, CR10007 and CR10008.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires compliance by September 6, 2011; the FAA 
requires compliance within 30 days from the effective date of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 232 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. Removing the diodes from the after junction boxes 
will require 2 work hours at an average labor cost of $85 per hour and 
incorporating the changes into the RFM will require .5 work hour for a 
total cost per operator of $213 and a cost to the entire U.S. fleet of 
$49,416.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that 
the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment 
prior to the adoption of this rule because the required corrective 
actions must be accomplished within 30 days.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and contrary to 
the public interest and that good cause exists for making this 
amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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.
    We are 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

    We determined that 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, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;

[[Page 37779]]

    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the 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 removing Amendment 39-16836 (76 FR 
68299, November 4, 2011), and adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2012-12-21 Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH: Amendment 39-17101; Docket 
No. FAA-2012-0659; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-061-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessively high reverse 
current flow when switching off a generator during flight, which 
could make the remaining generator fail and result in a complete 
electrical power system failure and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(c) Other Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2011-21-13, Amendment 39-16836 (76 FR 
68299, November 4, 2011).

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Action

    Within 30 days:
    (1) Remove the specified temporary pages from the following 
sections of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) RFM BK 117 C-2:
    (i) ``Emergency and Malfunction Procedures'': pages 3-3 and 3-4, 
and
    (ii) ``Performance Data'': page 5-7.
    (2) Remove diodes CR10007 and CR10008 from the generator relays 
in the left-hand and right-hand After Junction Boxes, respectively, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 
3.B.2.(a) through 3.B.2.(d), and as depicted in Figures 1 and 2, of 
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008 Revision 
1, dated August 29, 2011.
    (3) Test the DC Power system for proper operation.
    (4) Do not install an After Junction Box on any helicopter, 
unless the After Junction Box has been modified in accordance with 
the requirements of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137, telephone (817) 222-5114, 
email: [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation 
Safety Agency AD No. 2011-0162, dated August 30, 2011.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2435: Starter 
Generator.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008 
Revision 1, dated August 29, 2011.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, 
contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax 
(972) 641-3775, or at http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 
663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
    (5) You may also view this service information at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go 
to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 14, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-15325 Filed 6-22-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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