Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 199 (Monday, October 16, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53507-53508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25522]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-SW-19-AD; Amendment 39-9399; AD 95-21-12 ]


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model 
MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) (Eurocopter) Model MBB-
BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 helicopters, that requires 
initial and repetitive inspections of the main rotor (M/R) blade upper 
and lower surfaces for bulging. This amendment is prompted by two 
reported incidents in which a balance weight became detached from 
inside the M/R blade structure and migrated toward the tip of the M/R 
blade. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect movement 
of a balance weight and to prevent severe vibrations and a subsequent 
precautionary landing.

DATES: Effective November 20, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 20, 1995.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, Texas 

[[Page 53508]]
75053-4005. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the 
Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Richard Monschke, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5116, fax 
(817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, 
A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 helicopters was published in the Federal 
Register on February 13, 1995 (60 FR 8205). That action proposed to 
require initial and repetitive inspections of the M/R blade upper and 
lower surfaces for bulging.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed, except for editorial changes and 
adding explanatory Note 1, relating to the scope of the applicability 
statement when modifications, alterations, or repairs have been made in 
the area subject to the requirements of the AD. The FAA has determined 
that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any 
operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 125 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately one-half work hour 
per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,750.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

AD 95-21-12 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD): Amendment 39-9399. 
Docket No. 94-SW-19-AD.

    -Applicability: Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-
1 helicopters, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority 
provided in paragraph (d) to request approval from the FAA. This 
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration 
eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to 
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect movement of a balance weight and to prevent severe 
vibrations and a subsequent precautionary landing, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within the next 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, and thereafter, at intervals not to 
exceed 50 hours TIS, visually inspect the upper and lower surfaces 
of the main rotor blades (blades) in the area of the outboard lead 
balance weight in the marked inspection area for signs of bulging, 
in accordance with Paragraph 2.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Alert Service Bulletin ASB-MBB-
BK 117-10-108, Revision 1, dated October 14, 1994.
    (b) If a marked inspection area is not visible, mark the area in 
accordance with Paragraph 2.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Alert Service Bulletin ASB-MBB-BK 
117-10-108, Revision 1, dated October 14, 1994, and then inspect in 
accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (c) If bulging exceeds 1mm (0.040 inch) in height, remove the 
blade and replace it with an airworthy blade in accordance with the 
applicable maintenance manual.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used when approved by the Manager, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
Rotorcraft Standards Staff. Operators shall submit their requests 
through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or 
comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) The inspection and replacement, if necessary, shall be done 
in accordance with Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Alert Service 
Bulletin ASB-MBB-BK 117-10-108, Revision 1, dated October 14, 1994. 
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 
2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1995.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 4, 1995.
Daniel P. Salvano,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 95-25522 Filed 10-13-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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