This amendment adopts a new AD for the Kaman Model K1200 helicopters. This action requires certain initial and repetitive inspections of the blade grips. This amendment is prompted by an accident involving the loss of all blades because of a blade grip crack on the upper surface around the bolthole of one blade.
The FAA has reviewed Kaman Service Bulletin No. 109 dated October 31, 2003, which describes visually inspecting blade grips for a crack before the next flight and before the first flight of each day.
This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design. Therefore, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of a blade grip leading to loss of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This AD requires, before further flight, removing the paint and primer from each blade grip; and using a light and 10x power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspecting each blade grip at the top (bolt) and bottom (nut) locations for a crack around the bolthole. Also, this AD requires, before the first flight of each day, removing corrosion preventative compound from each blade grip, and using a light and 10x power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspecting each blade grip at the top (bolt) and bottom (nut) locations for a crack around the bolthole. After each inspection, if a crack is not detected, applying corrosion protection compound over the exposed area is required. If a crack is found, this AD requires replacing the blade grip before further flight. Accomplish the actions in accordance with the service bulletin described previously.
The short compliance time involved is required because the previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the controllability and structural integrity of the helicopter. Therefore, before further flight, and before the first flight of each day, visually inspecting each blade grip for a crack and replacing any cracked blade grip are required, 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.
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 23 helicopters. The initial inspection of the blade grip will take approximately 2 work hours, and the daily inspection will take approximately \1/2\ work hour to do at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators will be $197,340 for the first year ($2,990 for the initial inspection plus $194,350 for the repetitive inspections ($747.50 each day and assuming each helicopter is flown 260 days per year)).
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their mailed comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self- addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket No. 2003-SW-46-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: