Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 107 (Monday, June 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30162-30164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11810]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0196; Project Identifier 2018-SW-021-AD; Amendment 
39-21571; AD 2021-11-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-
3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by an analysis of the main rotor (M/
R) blade loop area. This AD requires repetitive inspections of certain 
M/R blade thimble areas and corrective actions if necessary, as 
specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference 
(IBR). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 12, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 12, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For EASA material in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0196.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0196; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace 
Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; telephone (206) 231-3218; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Community, has issued EASA AD 2018-0061, dated March 20, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0061), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland 
GmbH, Eurocopter Hubschrauber GmbH, Messerschmitt-B[ouml]lkow-Blohm 
GmbH), Airbus Helicopters Inc. (formerly American Eurocopter LLC) Model 
MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 
B-2, and MBB-BK117 C-1 helicopters, all serial numbers.
    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 Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, 
MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters with an 
``affected `angle 0' parts'' or ``affected `angle 1' parts'' installed, 
as identified in EASA AD 2018-0061. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on March 26, 2021 (86 FR 16121). The NPRM was prompted by new 
test results from an analysis of the M/R blade loop area, which 
revealed that certain M/R blade thimbles require reduced inspection 
intervals. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of 
certain M/R blade thimble areas and corrective actions if necessary, as 
specified in EASA AD 2018-0061. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
composite failure of the M/R blades, resulting in loss of control of

[[Page 30163]]

the helicopter. See EASA AD 2018-0061 for additional background 
information.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2018-0061 specifies compliance intervals to repetitively 
inspect certain M/R blades, with a blade sweep angle of 1 degree, for 
cracks and resin chippings in the area of the greater thimble radius 
and corrective actions, if there is a crack or anomaly. EASA AD 2018-
0061 also specifies compliance intervals to repetitively inspect 
certain M/R blades, with a blade sweep angle of 0 degrees, for cracks 
and bulging in the teflon foil in the area of the greater thimble 
radius and corrective actions, if there is a crack or bulge. Corrective 
actions include dispatching the M/R blades to an authorized repair 
station, as required.
    This service information 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.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2018-0061 applies to Model MBB-BK117 A-1, MBB-BK117 A-3, 
MBB-BK117 A-4, MBB-BK117 B-1, MBB-BK117 B-2 and MBB-BK117 C-1 
helicopters, whereas this AD applies to Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 
117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 
C-1 helicopters with certain M/R blades installed instead. The service 
information required by EASA AD 2018-0061 requires accomplishment of 
certain corrective action by ``ECD'' or an authorized service or repair 
station, whereas this AD requires performing the corrective action in 
accordance with FAA-approved procedures instead. EASA AD 2018-0061 
requires revising the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP), whereas this 
AD does not. EASA AD 2018-0061 allows a tolerance to compliance times, 
whereas this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 216 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD.
    Inspecting an M/R blade thimble area takes about 1 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of about $85 per M/R blade thimble, per inspection 
cycle.
    Repairing or replacing an M/R blade takes up to about 20 work-hours 
and parts cost up to about $23,100 for an estimated cost of up to 
$24,800 per blade.

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 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.

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:

2021-11-09 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21571; 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0196; Project Identifier 2018-SW-021-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 12, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs None

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 
MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-
BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters, certificated in any 
category, with an ``affected `angle 0' parts'' or ``affected `angle 
1' parts'' installed, as identified in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-
0061, dated March 20, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0061).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor 
System.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by new test results from a composite 
analysis of the main rotor (M/R) blade loop area, which revealed 
that certain M/R blade thimbles require reduced inspection 
intervals. The FAA is issuing this AD to address composite failure 
of an M/R blade, which if not addressed could result in 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, EASA AD 2018-0061.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0061

    (1) Where EASA AD 2018-0061 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2018-0061 refers to flight hours, this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (3) Where Table 1, Table 2, and Note 2 of EASA AD 2018-0061 
specify inspection

[[Page 30164]]

thresholds, intervals, and a non-cumulative compliance time 
tolerance of 10% for certain required compliance times, this AD 
requires accomplishing those requirements, as follows:
    (i) For helicopters with an ``affected `angle 0' parts,'' the 
compliance time is before accumulating 660 total hours TIS on the 
affected part or within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, and without accumulating 1,600 
total hours TIS on the affected part. Thereafter, the compliance 
time is at intervals not to exceed 330 hours TIS.
    (ii) For helicopters with an ``affected `angle 1' parts,'' the 
compliance time is before accumulating 110 total hours TIS on the 
affected part or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, and without accumulating 950 total 
hours TIS on the affected part. Thereafter, the compliance time is 
at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS.
    (iii) For helicopters specified in paragraph (c) of this AD, 
Note 1 of EASA AD 2018-0061 specifies accumulated FH as, ``Unless 
otherwise specified, the FH specified in Table 2 of this AD are 
those accumulated since the previous M/R blade thimble inspection.'' 
This AD requires intervals thereafter to be accumulated since 
accomplishment of paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (4) While paragraph (5) and Note 3 of EASA AD 2018-0061 specify 
revising the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP), this AD does not 
require this action.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-
0061 specifies accomplishment of certain corrective action by 
``ECD'' or an authorized service or repair station, this AD requires 
the corrective actions to be performed by a qualified mechanic.
    (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-
0061 specifies contacting ``ECD'' or an authorized service or repair 
station, this AD requires performing the corrective action in 
accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
    (7) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0061 does not apply 
to this AD.

(i) 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 (j) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (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.

 (j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen Arrigotti, 
Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA; telephone (206) 
231-3218; email [email protected].

(k) 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) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0061, dated 
March 20, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2018-0061, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
material on the EASA website at https://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 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-11810 Filed 6-4-21; 8:45 am]
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