[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 107 (Monday, June 4, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32884-32887]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12672]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0101; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-042-AD;
Amendment 39-17046; AD 2012-09-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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[[Page 32885]]
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH (ECD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-1 and C-2
helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard that corresponds to
the maximum permissible flight altitude, amending the Rotorcraft Flight
Manual (RFM) to revise the maximum permissible operating altitude, and
inserting revised performance charts into the RFM. This AD also
requires a repetitive maintenance ``MAX N1 CHECK'' to determine the
appropriate maximum altitudes. This AD also requires, if the engine or
a Fuel Control Unit (FCU) or module 2 or 3 is replaced, repeating the
maintenance ``MAX N1 CHECK.'' Finally, this AD specifies that modifying
both engines would provide terminating action for the AD requirements.
This AD was prompted by the failure of a ``few'' engines to reach the
specified one-engine-inoperative (OEI) rating at altitudes above 10,000
feet. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent flights at
altitudes where the full OEI engine power cannot be reached and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter if an OEI operation is
required.
DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of July 9, 2012.
ADDRESSES: For the Eurocopter service information identified in this
AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, Texas 75053-4005; telephone (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-
3710; or at http://www.eurocopter.com. For the Turbomeca Groupe SAFRAN
service information contact SAFRAN Turbomeca, 2709 N. Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, Texas 75052; telephone (800) 662-6322; or at http://www.turbomeca-usa.com. 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.
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, any
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ed Cuevas, 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:
Discussion
On February 10, 2012, at 77 FR 7005, the Federal Register published
our Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to ECD Model MBB-BK 117
C-1 and C-2 helicopters with a Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engine installed,
which has an FCU that has not been modified with Turbomeca Modification
TU 358. That NPRM proposed to require installing a placard that
corresponds to the maximum permissible flight altitude, amending the
RFM to revise the maximum permissible operating altitude for both the
MBB-BK 117 C-1 and C-2 helicopters, and inserting revised performance
charts into the RFM for the C-1 model. That NPRM also proposed to
require maintenance ``MAX N1 CHECKs'' to determine the modified maximum
operational altitudes. Additionally, that NPRM proposed to require, if
the engine or an FCU or module 2 or 3 is replaced, repeating the
maintenance ``MAX N1 CHECK.'' Finally, that NPRM proposal specified
that modifying both engines with Turbomeca Modification TU 358 would be
terminating action for the requirements of the NPRM; and after that
modification of both engines, you would be permitted to remove the
placards and flight manual revisions required by the NPRM. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent flights at altitudes where the
full OEI engine power cannot be reached and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter if an OEI operation is required.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
No. 2008-0061, dated March 27, 2008, to correct an unsafe condition for
ECD Model MBB-BK 117 C-1 and C-2 helicopters. The EASA states that
during testing at maximum certification altitude, a few helicopters
could not reach the specified OEI power threshold. The cause was
identified as an engine acceleration limitation due to a lower
delivered fuel flow than the engine fuel flow demand needed to achieve
the OEI rating at high altitude. They state that this condition could
occur at altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet depending on the engine and
FCU characteristics.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.
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, the 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 the EASA and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these
same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. These minor editorial changes are consistent with the intent
of the proposals in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden
on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
We do not reference the effective date stated in the EASA AD
because it has passed. We have modified the initial placard wording to
make it clear that before performing the topping check, the ``operating
altitude'' for takeoff, landing, and hovering is a pressure altitude
(PA) of 10,000 feet, but flight up to a maximum 13,000 feet is
permitted as long as the helicopter stays at an airspeed above
effective translational lift. After the topping check is performed, the
``operating altitude'' limitation refers to all modes of flight.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB-MBB-
BK117-60-121, Revision 4, (ASB121) for Model MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters
and ASB No. MBB BK117 C-2-71A-003, Revision 3 (ASB003), for Model MBB-
BK 117 C-2 helicopters. Both ASBs are dated December 11, 2007, and
apply to Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines. Both ASBs specify a ``MAX N1
CHECK'' for helicopters with FCUs that have not been modified by
Turbomeca modification TU 358, for takeoffs, landings, and hovering in-
ground effect (IGE) or hovering out-of-ground effect
[[Page 32886]]
(OGE) higher than 10,000 feet or flight above 13,000 feet. The ASBs
specify limiting the maximum permissible flight altitude if the OEI
rating cannot be achieved. The ASBs also specify the measures are no
longer necessary when you modify both engines (Modification TU 358).
The EASA classified these ASBs as mandatory and issued AD No. 2008-
0061, dated March 27, 2008, to ensure the continued airworthiness of
these helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 108 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in
order to comply with this AD. It will take about 1 work-hour per
helicopter to affix a placard and insert the RFM pages at an average
labor rate of $85 per work-hour. We estimate 54 maintenance flight
checks for higher altitude operators will be required at $1,000 each.
There are no parts costs. Based on these figures, we estimate the total
cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators to be $63,180.
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 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) 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):
2012-09-11 EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH: Amendment 39-17046; Docket
No. FAA-2012-0101; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-042-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH Model MBB-BK 117
C-1 and C-2 helicopters with a Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engine
installed, which has a Fuel Control Unit (FCU) that has not been
modified with Turbomeca Modification TU 358, certificated in any
category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of engines to
reach the specified one-engine-inoperative (OEI) rating at altitudes
above 10,000 feet. This condition could result in high altitude
operations when full OEI engine power is not available and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter if an OEI operation is
required.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective July 9, 2012.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) For Model MBB-BK117 C-1 helicopters:
(i) Before any flight operation at or above a pressure altitude
(PA) of 10,000 feet, unless accomplished previously:
(A) Affix a placard to the instrument panel in plain view of the
pilot(s), which states: ``Maximum altitude for takeoff, landing, and
hovering is 10,000 ft PA. Maximum operating altitude above effective
translational lift is 13,000 ft PA,'' or comply with paragraph
(e)(1)(iii) of this AD. The term ``hovering'' as used in this
placard includes both in-ground effect (IGE) and out-of-ground
effect (OGE) hovering.
(B) Revise the Altitude Limitations section of the Rotorcraft
Flight Manual (RFM), in accordance with paragraph 2.9 on pages 9 and
10; paragraph B.2.1 on page 15; and paragraph C.2.3.2 on page 16 of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-MBB-BK117-60-121, Revision
4, dated December 11, 2007 (ASB121).
(C) Attach each revised page 11-1-7 (ASB121, page 11) through
11-1-10 (ASB121, page 14) to the unrevised same-numbered page in the
Performance section of the RFM.
(ii) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished
previously:
(A) Revise the RFM as required by paragraphs (e)(1)(i)(B) and
(e)(1)(i)(C) of this AD; and
(B) Affix the placard as required by paragraph (e)(1)(i)(A) of
this AD or comply with paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this AD.
(iii) At intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS:
(A) Before operating between a 16,000 ft PA and 18,000 ft PA,
perform the ``MAX N1 CHECK'' by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.1., of ASB121. If the OEI rating is
not reached, either affix a placard as required by paragraph
(e)(1)(i)(A) or comply with paragraph (e)(1)(iii)(B) or
(e)(1)(iii)(C) of this AD.
(B) Before operating between 13,000 ft PA and 16,000 ft PA,
perform the ``MAX N1 CHECK'' by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.4., of ASB121.
(1) If the OEI rating is reached, affix a placard to the
instrument panel in plain view of the pilot(s), which states:
``Maximum operating altitude is 16,000 ft PA.''
(2) If the OEI rating is not reached, either affix a placard as
required by paragraph (e)(1)(i)(A) of this AD or comply with
paragraph (e)(1)(iii)(C) of this AD.
(C) Before operating between 10,000 ft PA and 13,000 ft PA,
perform the ``MAX N1 CHECK'' by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.7., of ASB121.
(1) If the OEI rating is reached, affix a placard to the
instrument panel in plain view of the pilot(s), which states:
``Maximum operating altitude is 13,000 ft PA.''
(2) If the OEI rating is not reached, affix a placard as
required by paragraph (e)(1)(i)(A) of this AD.
(2) For Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters:
(i) Before any flight operation at or above a PA of 10,000 feet,
unless accomplished previously:
(A) Affix a placard to the instrument panel in plain view of the
pilot(s), which states: ``Maximum altitude for takeoff, landing, and
hovering is 10,000 ft PA. Maximum operating
[[Page 32887]]
altitude above effective translational lift is 13,000 ft PA,'' or
comply with paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this AD. The term ``hovering''
as used in this placard includes both IGE and OGE hovering.
(B) Revise the Altitude Limitations section of the RFM in
accordance with paragraph A.2.3. on page 10 and paragraph 2.8. on
page 11 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. MBB BK117 C-2-71A-
003, Revision 3, dated December 11, 2007 (ASB003).
(ii) Within 50 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously:
(A) Revise the RFM as required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(B) of this
AD; and
(B) Affix a placard as required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) of
this AD or comply with paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this AD.
(iii) At intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS:
(A) Before operating between 16,000 ft PA and 18,000 ft PA,
perform the ``MAX N1 CHECK'' by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1) (on pages 4 and 5), of ASB003. If
the OEI rating is not reached, either affix a placard as required by
paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) or comply with paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(B) or
(e)(2)(iii)(C) of this AD.
(B) Before operating between 13,000 ft PA and 16,000 ft PA,
perform the ``MAX N1 CHECK'' by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1) (on pages 5 and 6) of ASB003.
(1) If the OEI rating is reached, affix a placard to the
instrument panel in plain view of the pilot(s), which states:
``Maximum operating altitude is 16,000 ft PA.''
(2) If the OEI rating is not reached, either affix a placard as
required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) or comply with paragraph
(e)(2)(iii)(C) of this AD.
(C) Before operating between 10,000 ft PA and 13,000 ft PA,
perform the ``MAX N1 CHECK'' by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1) (on page 7) of ASB003.
(1) If the OEI rating is reached, affix a placard to the
instrument panel in plain view of the pilot(s), which states:
``Maximum operating altitude is 13,000 ft PA.''
(2) If the OEI rating is not reached, affix a placard as
required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) of this AD.
(3) If an engine, FCU, engine module 2, or engine module 3 is
replaced, before any flight operation at or above a PA of 10,000
feet, comply with the requirements of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD
for the Model MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopter or paragraph (e)(2) of this
AD for the Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopter.
(4) Modifying both engines with Turbomeca Modification TU 358 in
accordance with Turbomeca Groupe SAFRAN (Turbomeca) Service Bulletin
No. 292 73 0358, dated October 2, 2007, is optional terminating
action for the requirements of this AD. This AD does not require
returning any parts to Turbomeca nor does it require that you
perform the modification at a specific location. After modifying
both engines, remove from the helicopter any placard required by
this AD and remove from the RFM the revised altitude limitations and
the revised performance pages required by this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Ed Cuevas, 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 (Germany) AD No. 2008-0061, dated March 27, 2008.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1100, Placards and
Markings.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the specified portions of the following service
information to do the specified actions required by this AD. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51:
(i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB-MBB-BK117-60-121,
Revision 4, dated December 11, 2007; and
(ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. MBB BK117 C-2-71A-
003, Revision 3, dated December 11, 2007.
(2) You must use the specified portions of Turbomeca Groupe
SAFRAN Service Bulletin No. 292 73 0358, dated October 2, 2007 to do
the optional terminating action in this AD. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this
service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(3) For the Eurocopter service information identified in this
AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, Texas 75053-4005; telephone (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-
3710; or at http://www.eurocopter.com. For the Turbomeca Groupe
SAFRAN service information identified in this AD, contact SAFRAN
Turbomeca, 2709 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052;
telephone (800) 662-6322; or at http://www.turbomeca-usa.com.
(4) 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 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
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 2, 2012.
Carlton N. Cochran,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-12672 Filed 6-1-12; 8:45 am]
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