Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50222-50224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19253]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0450; Project Identifier 2017-SW-100-AD; Amendment 
39-21680; AD 2021-16-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(AHD) 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 (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by the discovery that certain parts 
that are approved for installation on multiple helicopter models are 
life limited parts when installed on Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters 
and some helicopter delivery documents excluded the life limit 
information. This AD requires determining the total hours time-in-
service (TIS) of a certain part-numbered rotor mast nut and re-
identifying a certain part-numbered rotor mast nut. This AD also 
requires establishing a life limit for a certain part-numbered rotor 
mast nut and helical gear support, and removing each part from service 
before reaching its life limit. Additionally, this AD requires 
replacing a certain part-numbered main gearbox (MGB) with a not 
affected MGB 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 October 13, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 13, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this 
AD, contact the 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 the referenced 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. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0450.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0450; 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, any 
comments received, and other information. The street 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: Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer, 
Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy & 
Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA AD 2017-0037, dated February 22, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0037), 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH), 
Airbus Helicopters Inc. (formerly American Eurocopter LLC) Model MBB-BK 
117 D-2 and MBB-BK117 D-2m helicopters.
    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 (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, with an 
affected MGB or affected rotor mast nut as identified in Note 1 of EASA 
AD 2017-0037. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 7, 
2021 (86 FR 30218). The NPRM was prompted by the discovery that certain 
parts that are approved for installation on multiple helicopter models 
are life limited parts when installed on Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 
helicopters and some helicopter delivery documents excluded the life 
limit information, The NPRM proposed to require accomplishing the 
actions specified in EASA AD 2017-0037, described previously, as 
incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD and except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this AD and EASA AD 2017-0037.'' The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address an unsafe condition on these products. See 
EASA AD 2017-0037 for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    These helicopters been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2017-0037 requires establishing a life limit for rotor mast 
nut part number (P/N) D632K1133-201 and helical gear support P/N 
D632K1113-201, and replacing these parts before exceeding their life 
limit. EASA AD 2017-0037 also requires replacing each rotor mast nut P/
N D632K1133-201 for which the hours TIS are unknown and replacing 
certain part-numbered rotor mast nuts before accumulating 3,708 hours 
TIS since first installation on a helicopter. EASA AD 2017-0037 
requires re-identifying each rotor mast nut P/N 117-12133-01 to P/N 
D632K1133-201 by following the specified service information. EASA AD 
2017-0037 requires replacing any MGB P/N D632K1001-051 with serial 
number

[[Page 50223]]

(S/N) D2-0001 up to D2-0108 inclusive, D2-0123, D2-0126, D2-0127, or 
D2-0130 up to D2-0136 inclusive with a not affected MGB before the 
affected MGB accumulates 3,708 hours TIS. EASA AD 2017-0037 also 
prohibits installing an affected rotor mast nut or an affected MGB that 
has accumulated more than 3,708 hours TIS since first installation on a 
helicopter. Additionally, EASA AD 2017-0037 requires revising the 
Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP).
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-
BK117 D-2-63A-001, Revision 0, dated December 1, 2016 (ASB 63A-001), 
which is not incorporated by reference, which specifies procedures for 
re-identifying the rotor mast nut by using a vibrograph, crossing out 
the old P/N and marking the new P/N on the outer surface, engraving the 
letter ``A'' behind the S/N of each part, and updating the historical 
record and log card to confirm compliance with ASB 63A-001. ASB 63A-001 
also specifies during the next MGB overhaul, making an entry in the log 
card to confirm re-identification of the helical gear support, and 
annotating the S/N of the helical gear support.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2017-0037

    EASA AD 2017-0037 applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2 and D2m 
helicopters, whereas this AD only applies to Model MBB-BK117 D-2 
helicopters because Model D-2m is not FAA type-certificated. If the 
total hours TIS for an affected rotor mast nut cannot be determined, 
this AD requires removing the rotor mast nut from service before 
further flight, whereas EASA AD 2017-0037 does not contain this 
requirement. EASA AD 2017-0037 requires using a vibrograph to re-
identify certain rotor mast nuts, whereas this AD requires using a 
vibro etch instead. EASA AD 2017-0037 requires replacing certain parts, 
whereas this AD requires removing certain parts from service instead. 
EASA AD 2017-0037 requires revising the AMP, whereas this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Determining the total hours TIS on an affected rotor mast nut takes 
about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and 
$2,550 for the U.S. fleet.
    Re-identifying a rotor mast nut takes about 1.5 work-hours for an 
estimated cost of $128 per rotor mast nut.
    Replacing a rotor mast nut takes about 6 work-hours and parts cost 
about $5,351 for an estimated cost of $5,861 per rotor mast nut.
    Replacing a MGB, which includes replacing the helical gear support, 
takes about 42 work-hours and parts cost about $295,000 (overhauled) 
for an estimated cost of $298,570.

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 helicopters 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 that 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.

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:

2021-16-17 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
21680; Docket No. FAA-2021-0450; Project Identifier 2017-SW-100-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 
Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category, with 
an affected main gearbox or affected rotor mast nut as identified in 
Note 1 of European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2017-0037, dated February 22, 2017 
(EASA AD 2017-0037) installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200 Main gearbox.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the discovery that certain parts that 
are approved for installation on multiple helicopter models are life 
limited parts when installed on Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters and 
some helicopter delivery documents excluded the life limit 
information. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent certain parts 
from remaining in service beyond their fatigue life. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the part and 
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 2017-0037.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2017-0037

    (1) Where EASA AD 2017-0037 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

[[Page 50224]]

    (2) Where EASA AD 2017-0037 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2017-0037 requires 
determining the FH (total hours TIS) accumulated by the affected 
rotor mast nut since first installation on a helicopter, this AD 
requires removing the rotor mast nut from service before further 
flight if the total hours TIS cannot be determined.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in Note 3 of EASA 
AD 2017-0037 specifies to use a vibrograph to mark the new part 
number, this AD requires using a vibro etch.
    (5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2017-0037 requires replacing 
each affected rotor mast nut with a not affected rotor mast nut 
before exceeding 3,708 FH (total hours TIS) since first installation 
on a helicopter, this AD requires removing each affected rotor mast 
nut from service before accumulating 3,708 total hours TIS.
    (6) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2017-0037 requires replacing 
each part as identified in Table 2 of EASA AD 2017-0037 before 
exceeding the FH (total hours TIS) limit, this AD requires removing 
each part from service before exceeding the total hours TIS limit.
    (7) Paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2017-0037 does not apply to this 
AD.
    (8) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2017-0037 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 Rao Edupuganti, 
Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation 
Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

(k) 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.
    (i) EASA AD 2017-0037, dated February 22, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2017-0037, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0450.
    (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 July 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19253 Filed 9-7-21; 8:45 am]
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