98-8584. Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems Model 369F and 369FF Helicopters  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 63 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 16109-16110]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-8584]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 97-SW-03-AD; Amendment 39-10440; AD 98-07-19]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems 
    Model 369F and 369FF Helicopters
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
    applicable to McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems (MDHS) Model 369F 
    and 369FF helicopters, that requires removing the tail rotor control 
    rod assembly (rod assembly) and replacing it with an airworthy rod 
    assembly. This amendment is prompted by a failure of a rod assembly 
    during a proof-load test conducted by the manufacturer. The actions 
    specified by this AD are intended to prevent buckling of the rod 
    assembly when subjected to ultimate jam loads, loss of tail rotor 
    control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: May 7, 1998.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John L. Cecil, Aerospace Engineer, 
    ANM-120L, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 3960 
    Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-
    5229, fax (562) 627-5210.
    
    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 MDHS Model 369F and 369FF 
    helicopters was published in the Federal Register on August 20, 1997 
    (62 FR 44245). That action proposed to require removing the rod 
    assembly and replacing it with an airworthy rod assembly.
        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.
        The FAA estimates that 17 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
    affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours 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 $4,080.
        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 maintained in the Office of the Regional Counsel, 
    Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
    76137.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    to read as follows:
    
    AD 98-07-19 McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems: Amendment 39-
    10440. Docket No. 97-SW-03-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model 369F and 369FF 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 (b) 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 within 300 hours time-in-service after the 
    effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously.
        To prevent buckling of the tail rotor control rod assembly (rod 
    assembly) when subjected to ultimate jam loads, loss of tail rotor 
    control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, 
    accomplish the following:
        (a) Remove the rod assembly, part number (P/N) 369D27516, and 
    replace it with an airworthy rod assembly, P/N 369D27516-5. 
    Replacement of the rod assembly with an airworthy rod assembly, P/N 
    369D27516-5, constitutes a terminating action for the requirements 
    of this AD.
        (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
    used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
    Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA 
    Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then 
    send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
    
        Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
    
    [[Page 16110]]
    
    obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
    
        (c) 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.
    
        Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 25, 1998.
    Eric Bries,
    Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
    [FR Doc. 98-8584 Filed 4-1-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
5/7/1998
Published:
04/02/1998
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
98-8584
Dates:
May 7, 1998.
Pages:
16109-16110 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 97-SW-03-AD, Amendment 39-10440, AD 98-07-19
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
98-8584.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13