AD 2020-19-01 ACTIVE

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of an erroneous low rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) indication after establishing a one engine inoperative \n\n((Page 59414)) \n\n(OEI) condition. This AD requires a software (SW) modification for the aircraft management computer (AMC). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Final rule.

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2020-19-01 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21242; Docket No. FAA-2020-0342; Product Identifier 2019-SW-078-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective October 27, 2020. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 42, Integrated Modular Avionics. \n\n(e) Reason \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a report of an erroneous lowrotor revolutions per minute (RPM) indication after establishing a one engine inoperative condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address erroneous low RPM indications, which could cause the pilot to make inappropriate control inputs, resulting in damage to the helicopter or injury to occupants. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Definitions \n\n\n\t(1) Affected part: An aircraft management computer (AMC) having a software (SW) version installed that is identified as ''pre- modification SW'' in Figure 1 to paragraphs (g)(1), (h), and (i) of this AD, or earlier SW version. (GRAPHIC) (TIFF OMITTED) TR22SE20.037 \n\n\n\t(2) Group 1: Helicopters that have an affected part installed. \n\t(3) Group 2: Helicopters that do not have an affected part installed. \n\n(h) Software Modification \n\n\n\t(1) For Group 1: Within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, update the SW of each affected part to the corresponding upgraded SW, as listed in Figure 1 to paragraphs (g)(1), (h), and (i) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3.B.2, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-2-42A-005, Revision 3, dated June 6, 2019. \n\t(2) Replacement on a helicopter of an affected part with an AMC having the corresponding upgraded SW installed, as listed in Figure 1 to paragraphs (g)(1), (h), and (i) of this AD, or later SW upgrade is an acceptable alternative method of compliance for the requirements of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD for that helicopter. \n\n(i) Parts Installation Prohibition \n\n\n\tDo not install on any helicopter an affected part, and do not upload any SW identified as ''pre-modification SW'' in Figure 1 to paragraphs (g)(1), (h), and (i) of this AD, or earlier SW version, on any AMC, as required by paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of this AD, as applicable. \n\t(1) For Group 1: After modification of that helicopter as specified in paragraph(h) of this AD. \n\t(2) For Group 2: As of the effective date of this AD. \n\n(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817- 222-5151; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. \n\t(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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. \n\n((Page 59416)) \n\n(k) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 2019-0208, dated August 22, 2019. This EASA AD may befound in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0342. \n\t(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. 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. \n\n(l) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(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. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-2-42A- 005, Revision 3, dated June 6, 2019. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. \n\t(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. \n\t(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 fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. \n\n\n\tIssued on September 1, 2020. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2020-20763 Filed 9-21-20; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Discussion \n\n\n\tThe FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 28, 2020 (85 FR 23489). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an erroneous low rotor RPM indication after establishing an OEI condition. The NPRM proposed to require a SW modification for the AMC. The FAA is issuing this AD to address erroneous low RPM indications, which could cause the pilot to make inappropriate control inputs, resulting in damage to the helicopter or injury to occupants. \n\tThe European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0208, dated August 22, 2019 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ''the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0342. \n\nComments \n\n\n\tThe 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. \n\nConclusion \n\n\n\tThe FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes: \n\tAre consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and \n\tDo not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. \n\nRelated Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 \n\n\n\tAirbus Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-2- 42A-005, Revision 3, dated June 6, 2019. This service information describes procedures for a SW modification for the AMC. \n\tThis 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. \n\nDifferences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information \n\n\n\tThe MCAI provides a 60-day compliance time for accomplishing the SW modification. This AD requires completion of the SW modification within 50 hours time-in-service. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tThe FAA estimates that this AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\n\tEstimated Costs for Required Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tCost per Cost on U.S. \n\tLabor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $3,000 $3,085 $92,550 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tThe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\n((Page 59415)) \n\n\n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 27, 2020. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972-641-0000 or 800-232-0323; fax 972-641-3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. 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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0342. \n\nExamining the AD Docket \n\n\n\tYou may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020- 0342; 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 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.

George Schwab, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email george.schwab@faa.gov.