Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 125 (Monday, June 30, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36635-36638]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-14623]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0394; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-015-AD; 
Amendment 39-17875; AD 2014-13-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(Airbus Helicopters) (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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[[Page 36636]]

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with a certain Goodrich 
rescue hoist damper unit (damper unit) installed. This AD requires 
repairing or replacing the damper unit or deactivating the rescue 
hoist. This AD is prompted by a report of an uncommanded detachment of 
a damper unit from the cable. These actions are intended to prevent 
loss of an external load or person from the helicopter hoist and injury 
to persons being lifted by the hoist.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 15, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of July 15, 2014.
    We must receive comments on this AD by August 29, 2014.

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 European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated by reference service information, 
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 Airbus 
Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced 
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, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 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 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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued AD No. 2014-0057, dated March 6, 2014, and 
corrected March 7, 2014 (AD 2014-0057), to correct an unsafe condition 
for Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. EASA advises 
that a rescue hoist damper unit detached from the cable when the hoist 
damper was lifted by hand with no load attached. EASA further advises 
that an investigation revealed the retaining ring inside the damper 
unit was not located in the proper position, and that this displacement 
of the retaining ring may have occurred as a maintenance error or as a 
result of interference with the bonding strap unit during normal use. 
EASA further states that this condition could lead to the detachment of 
an external load or person from the helicopter hoist, possibly 
resulting in personal injury or injury to persons on the ground.
    To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2014-0057, which 
supersedes AD No. 2014-0046-E, dated February 27, 2014, and which 
requires replacing Goodrich rescue hoist damper unit/rescue winch 
damper, part number (P/N) 44307-480, P/N 44307-480-1, or P/N 44307-480-
2, or deactivating the rescue hoist. AD 2014-0057 also requires 
modifying the damper unit's bonding strap and replacing the retaining 
ring, which allows reactivation of the rescue hoist. Lastly, AD 2014-
0057 implements a recurring 100 hoist-cycle inspection of the retaining 
ring for correct installation.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its 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 exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type 
design.

Related Service Information

    Airbus Helicopters has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
ASB MBB-BK117 C-2-85A-041, Revision 2, dated March 4, 2014, which 
describes procedures for modifying the bonding strap unit, installing 
an improved retaining ring, and inspecting the retaining ring.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, before the next hoist operation, either repairing 
the hoist damper unit by following specified portions of the service 
information, replacing the hoist damper unit with a unit that has been 
repaired by following specified portions of the service information, or 
deactivating the rescue hoist.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires a 100 hoist-cycle repetitive inspection, while 
this AD does not. We plan to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to 
give the public an opportunity to comment on those long-term 
requirements.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. If final action is 
later identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.

[[Page 36637]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 118 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in 
order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, 
repairing the hoist damper unit will require 5 work-hours, and required 
parts will cost $4, for a cost per helicopter of $429. Replacing the 
hoist damper unit will require 1 work-hour, and required parts will 
cost $8,715, for a cost per helicopter of $8,800. Deactivating the 
rescue hoist will require .5 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of 
$43.
    According to Airbus Helicopters' service information, some of the 
costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty 
coverage by Airbus Helicopters. Accordingly, we have included all costs 
in our cost estimate.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments before 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 
adopting this rule because the required corrective actions must be done 
before the next hoist operation.
    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;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 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 (AD):

2014-13-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) 
(Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH): Amendment 39-17875; Docket 
No. FAA-2014-0394; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-015-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 
helicopters with a Goodrich hoist damper unit, part number (P/N) 
44307-480, P/N 44307-480-1, or P/N 44307-480-2, installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as uncommanded detachment 
of the external hoist damper unit, which could result in loss of an 
external load or person from the hoist, resulting in injury to 
persons being lifted by the hoist.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 15, 2014.

(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 Actions

    Before the next hoist operation, comply with paragraph (e)(1), 
(e)(2), or (e)(3) of this AD:
    (1) Repair and re-identify each hoist damper unit in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.1, of Airbus 
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin ASB No. MBB-BK117 C-2-
85A-041, Revision 2, dated March 4, 2014; or
    (2) Replace each hoist damper unit with a unit that has been 
repaired as required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD; or
    (3) Deactivate the rescue hoist system.

(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, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
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 European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2014-0057, dated March 6, 2014, and corrected 
March 7, 2014. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2014-0394.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2500: Cabin 
Equipment Furnishings.

(i) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.

[[Page 36638]]

    (i) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB 
MBB-BK117 C-2-85A-041, Revision 2, dated March 4, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, 
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; 
fax (972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 13, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-14623 Filed 6-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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