[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68299-68301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27776]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-1075; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-011-AD;
Amendment 39-16836; AD 2011-21-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model
MBB-BK 117 C-2 Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
ECD Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This action requires revising the
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting certain temporary pages
into the Emergency and Performance Data sections of the RFM to alert
the operators to monitor the power display when a generator is
deactivated and provides appropriate actions. This amendment is
prompted by reports of too high a current flow when one generator is
deactivated. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent
failure of the remaining generator when one generator is deactivated,
loss of electrical power, loss of systems necessary for flight safety,
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective November 21, 2011.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 21, 2011.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before January 3, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information identified in this AD from
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com.
Examining the Docket: You may examine the docket that contains the
AD, any comments, and other information 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 Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
located in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building at the
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5114, fax
(817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
No. 2010-0268-E, dated December 21, 2010, to correct an unsafe
condition for the ECD Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. EASA advises of
reports that on some helicopters a too high current flow was detected
when one generator was deactivated (for example, during the ENGINE
POWER CHECK). EASA also advises that 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. Therefore, the EASA AD requires additional
RFM procedures to include visual monitoring of the electrical power
display during switching of a generator. Also, EASA advises that their
AD is an interim measure pending the development of a final solution
that will prevent this particular mode of generator failure.
Related Service Information
ECD has issued Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008,
dated December 20, 2010 (ASB). The ASB specifies inserting certain
pages from the ASB into the RFM to alert operators to visually monitor
the power display generator amperes (GEN AMPS) on the Vehicle and
Engine Multifunction
[[Page 68300]]
Display (VEMD) for too high a current flow when a generator has been
deactivated; for example, during the ENGINE POWER CHECK. In such a
situation, the revised RFM provides instructions for switching off the
two main electrical buses (BUS TIEs) on the overhead panel to prevent
the operating generator from being damaged. The ASB states that failure
of the generator could result in subsequent loss of electrical power
and loss of systems. EASA classified this ASB as mandatory and issued
AD No. 2010-0268-E, dated December 21, 2010, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these helicopters.
FAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
the Federal Republic of Germany and are approved for operation in the
United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the Federal
Republic of Germany, 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 exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of this same type design.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of the same type design. This amendment adopts a new AD for
ECD Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This action requires revising the
Emergency Procedures and Performance Data sections of the RFM BK117 C-2
by copying or cutting out the temporary pages 7, 8, and 11 of the ASB
and inserting the pages into RFM BK 117 C-2. This amendment is prompted
by reports of too high a current flow when one generator is
deactivated. The actions specified in this AD are intended to revise
the RFM by inserting temporary pages into the Emergency Procedures and
Performance Data sections. The revisions to the RFM are intended to
alert pilots to visually monitor the power display GEN AMPS on the VEMD
when a generator is deactivated to detect too high a current flow and
to switch off the two BUS TIEs on the overhead panel to prevent the
operating generator from being damaged. Accomplish the actions by
copying or cutting out pages 7, 8, and 11 of the ASB described
previously and inserting them into the Emergency Procedures and
Performance Data sections of the RFM.
The short compliance time involved is required because the
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the
controllability or structural integrity of the helicopter. Therefore,
revising the Emergency and Performance Data sections of the RFM is
required before further flight, and this AD must be issued immediately.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 232 helicopters of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take a minimal amount of time
to copy and insert the pages into the RFM. Therefore, the cost of the
AD will be minimal.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-1075; Directorate
Identifier 2011-SW-011-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the
docket Web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment. You
may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 above, I certify that the regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
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.
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.
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
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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to
read as follows:
2011-21-13 EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GmbH (ECD):
[[Page 68301]]
Amendment 39-16836; Docket No. FAA-2011-1075; Directorate Identifier
2011-SW-011-AD.
Applicability: Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, certificated in
any category.
Compliance: Before further flight, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of a generator, loss of electrical power,
loss of systems necessary for flight safety, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Revise the ``Emergency and Malfunction Procedures'' and the
``Performance Data'' sections of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
BK117 C-2 by copying or cutting out temporary pages 7, 8, and 11
(RFM pages 3-3 and 3-3a for ``Emergency and Malfunction Procedures''
and page 5-7 for ``Performance Data'') of ECD Alert Service Bulletin
No. ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008, dated December 20, 2010, and
inserting the pages into RFM BK 117 C-2.
(b) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Contact the Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: George Schwab,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5114, fax (817)
222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative
methods of compliance.
(c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 2435:
Starter-Generator, 2437: DC Indicating System, and 2430: DC
Generator System.
(d) Revise the Emergency Procedures and Performance Data
sections of RFM BK 117 C-2 by inserting the specified portions of
ECD Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB MBB BK117 C-2-24A-008, dated
December 20, 2010, into the RFM. The Director of the Federal
Register approved this incorporation by reference 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, TX
75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at
http://www.eurocopter.com. Copies may be inspected at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas, or 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.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on November 21, 2011.
Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in The European
Aviation Safety Agency (the Federal Republic of Germany) AD No.
2010-0268-E, dated December 21, 2010.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 29, 2011.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-27776 Filed 11-3-11; 8:45 am]
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