63282 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules 

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. 

Regulatory Findings 

We determined that this proposed AD 

would not have federalism implications 

under Executive Order 13132. This 

proposed AD would 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 this proposed 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; 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 a regulatory evaluation 

of the estimated costs to comply with 

this proposed 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. 

The Proposed Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority 

delegated to me by the Administrator, 

the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new AD: 

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2012– 

1072; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM– 

141–AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

We must receive comments by November 

30, 2012. 

(b) Affected ADs 

None. 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model 

CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) 

airplanes, certificated in any category, serial 

numbers 7003 through 7990 inclusive, and 

8000 through 8999 inclusive. 

(d) Subject 

Air Transport Association (ATA) of 

America Code 32, Landing gear. 

(e) Reason 

This AD was prompted by reports of two 

in-service incidents where the left main 

landing gear (MLG) failed to extend. We are 

issuing this AD to prevent incorrect 

installation of the upper bolt in the MLG 

uplock assembly, which could prevent the 

MLG from extending and adversely affect the 

safe landing of the airplane. 

(f) Compliance 

You are responsible for having the actions 

required by this AD performed within the 

compliance times specified, unless the 

actions have already been done. 

(g) Installation of Stopper Plates 

Within 5,500 flight hours or 48 months 

after the effective date of this AD, whichever 

occurs first: Install stopper plates on the aft 

uplock frame of both the right and left MLG 

uplock assemblies, in accordance with the 

Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 

Service Bulletin 601R–32–109, dated May 29, 

2012. 

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions 

The following provisions also apply to this 

AD: 

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft 

Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, FAA, 

has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 

AD, if requested using the procedures found 

in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 

39.19, send your request to your principal 

inspector or local Flight Standards District 

Office, as appropriate. If sending information 

directly to the ACO, send it to ATTN: 

Program Manager, Continuing Operational 

Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart 

Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 

telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. 

Before using any approved AMOC, notify 

your appropriate principal inspector, or 

lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 

the local flight standards district office/ 

certificate holding district office. The AMOC 

approval letter must specifically reference 

this AD. 

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement 

in this AD to obtain corrective actions from 

a manufacturer or other source, use these 

actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective 

actions are considered FAA-approved if they 

are approved by the State of Design Authority 

(or their delegated agent). You are required 

to assure the product is airworthy before it 

is returned to service. 

(i) Related Information 

(1) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness 

Directive CF–2012–22, dated July 24, 2012; 

and Bombardier Service 601R–32–109, dated 

May 29, 2012; for related information. 

(2) For service information identified in 

this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 CoˆteVertu Road West, Dorval, Que ́bec H4S 1Y9, 

Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514 

855–7401; email 

thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http:// 

www.bombardier.com. You may review 

copies of the referenced service information 

at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 

information on the availability of this 

material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. 

Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 

4, 2012. 

Dionne Palermo, 

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–25453 Filed 10–15–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–1075; Directorate 

Identifier 2012–NM–111–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier 

Inc. Airplanes 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 

Bombardier, Inc. Model CL–600–2B19 

(Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) 

airplanes. This proposed AD was 

prompted by a revision to the airplane 

airworthiness limitations to introduce 

more stringent inspection requirements 

on certain affected components. This 

proposed AD would require revising the 

maintenance program to incorporate 

revised tasks specified in certain 

temporary revisions. We are proposing 

this AD to detect and correct fatigue 

cracking in the affected components and 

consequent loss of structural integrity. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by November 30, 

2012. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by 

any of the following methods: 


pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules 63283 

• 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, between 9 a.m. and 5 

p.m., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

For service information identified in 

this proposed AD, contact Bombardier, 

Inc., 400 Coˆte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, 

Que ́bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 

514–855–5000; fax 514–855–7401; email 

thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet 

http://www.bombardier.com. You may 

review copies of the referenced service 

information at the FAA, Transport 

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue 

SW., Renton, WA. For information on 

the availability of this material at the 

FAA, call 425–227–1221. 

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 proposed AD, the 

regulatory evaluation, any comments 

received, and other information. The 

street address for the Docket Operations 

office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in 

the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 

be available in the AD docket shortly 

after receipt. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Jeffrey Zimmer, Aerospace Engineer, 

Airframe and Mechanical Systems 

Branch, ANE–171, FAA, New York 

Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 

Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 

New York 11590; telephone (516) 228– 

7306; fax (516) 794–5531. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited 

We invite you to send any written 

relevant data, views, or arguments about 

this proposed AD. Send your comments 

to an address listed under the 

ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. 

FAA–2012–1075; Directorate Identifier 

2012–NM–111–AD’’ at the beginning of 

your comments. We specifically invite 

comments on the overall regulatory, 

economic, environmental, and energy 

aspects of this proposed AD. We will 

consider all comments received by the 

closing date and may amend this 

proposed AD based on 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 we receive 

about this proposed AD. 

Discussion 

Transport Canada Civil Aviation 

(TCCA), which is the aviation authority 

for Canada, has issued Canadian 

Airworthiness Directive CF–2012–13, 

dated April 10, 2012 (referred to after 

this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe 

condition for the specified products. 

The MCAI states: 

A revision has been made to Part 2 of the 

Canadair Regional Jet Maintenance 

Requirements Manual (MRM), Airworthiness 

Limitations (AWL), to introduce more 

stringent inspection requirements for 

continued airworthiness based on reanalysis, in-service data and/or fatigue 

testing. Failure to comply with these revised 

AWL items could lead to an unsafe 

condition. 

This [TCCA] AD is issued to ensure that 

fatigue cracking of these affected components 

[and consequent loss of airplane structural 

integrity] is detected and corrected. 

Required actions include revising the 

maintenance program by incorporating 

the revised inspection requirements 

specified in certain temporary revisions 

to Appendix B—Airworthiness 

Limitations, of Part 2 of the Bombardier 

CL–600–2B19 Maintenance 

Requirements Manual (MRM). You may 

obtain further information by examining 

the MCAI in the AD docket. 

Relevant Service Information 

Bombardier Inc. has issued the 

following temporary revisions to 

Appendix B—Airworthiness 

Limitations, of Part 2 of the Bombardier 

CL–600–2B19 MRM. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2098, dated November 24, 

2005. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2110, dated November 24, 

2005. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2119, dated February 14, 

2006. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2123, dated August 28, 

2006. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2127, dated October 9, 

2007. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2128, dated October 9, 

2007. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2129, dated February 14, 

2008. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2133, dated February 14, 

2008. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2148, dated January 12, 

2009. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2160, dated January 14, 

2011. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2161, dated January 14, 

2011. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2168, dated January 14, 

2011. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2174, dated January 14, 

2011. 

• Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2198, dated December 8, 

2011. 

The actions described in this service 

information are intended to correct the 

unsafe condition identified in the 

MCAI. 

FAA’s Determination and Requirements 

of This Proposed AD 

This product has been approved by 

the aviation authority of another 

country, and is approved for operation 

in the United States. Pursuant to our 

bilateral agreement with the State of 

Design Authority, we have been notified 

of the unsafe condition described in the 

MCAI and service information 

referenced above. We are proposing this 

AD because we evaluated all pertinent 

information and determined an unsafe 

condition exists and is likely to exist or 

develop on other products of the same 

type design. 

Costs of Compliance 

Based on the service information, we 

estimate that this proposed AD would 

affect about 575 products of U.S. 

registry. We also estimate that it would 

take about 1 work-hour per product to 

comply with the basic requirements of 

this proposed AD. The average labor 

rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on 

these figures, we estimate the cost of the 

proposed AD on U.S. operators to be 

$48,875, or $85 per product. 

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. 


pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
63284 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules 

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. 

Regulatory Findings 

We determined that this proposed AD 

would not have federalism implications 

under Executive Order 13132. This 

proposed AD would 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 this proposed 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; 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 a regulatory evaluation 

of the estimated costs to comply with 

this proposed 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. 

The Proposed Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority 

delegated to me by the Administrator, 

the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new AD: 

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2012– 

1075; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM– 

111–AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

We must receive comments by November 

30, 2012. 

(b) Affected ADs 

None. 

(c) Applicability 

(1) This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. 

Model CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 

& 440) airplanes, certificated in any category, 

serial numbers 7003 and subsequent. 

(2) This AD requires revisions to certain 

operator maintenance documents to include 

new inspections. Compliance with these 

inspections is required by section 91.403(c) 

of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 

91.403(c)). For airplanes that have been 

previously modified, altered, or repaired in 

the areas addressed by these inspections, an 

operator might not be able to accomplish the 

inspections described in the revisions. In this 

situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), 

the operator must request approval of an 

alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in 

accordance with the provisions of paragraph 

(j) of this AD. The request should include a 

description of changes to the required 

inspections that will ensure the continued 

damage tolerance of the affected structure. 

(d) Subject 

Air Transport Association (ATA) of 

America Code 05, Periodic inspections. 

(e) Reason 

This AD was prompted by a revision to the 

airplane airworthiness limitations to 

introduce more stringent inspection 

requirements on certain affected components. 

We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 

fatigue cracking in the affected components 

and consequent loss of structural integrity. 

(f) Compliance 

You are responsible for having the actions 

required by this AD performed within the 

compliance times specified, unless the 

actions have already been done. 

(g) Maintenance Program Revision 

Within 60 days after the effective date of 

this AD: Revise the maintenance program by 

incorporating the revised inspection 

requirements specified in the temporary 

revisions to Appendix B—Airworthiness 

Limitations, of Part 2 of the Bombardier CL– 

600–2B19 Maintenance Requirements 

Manual (MRM) specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 

through (g)(14) of this AD. 

(1) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2098, dated November 24, 2005. 

(2) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2110, dated November 24, 2005. 

(3) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2119, dated February 14, 2006. 

(4) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2123, dated August 28, 2006. 

(5) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2127, dated October 9, 2007. 

(6) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2128, dated October 9, 2007. 

(7) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2129, dated February 14, 2008. 

(8) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2133, dated February 14, 2008. 

(9) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2148, dated January 12, 2009. 

(10) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2160, dated January 14, 2011. 

(11) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2161, dated January 14, 2011. 

(12) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2168, dated January 14, 2011. 

(13) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2174, dated January 14, 2011. 

(14) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2198, dated December 8, 2011. 

(h) Initial Task Compliance Time 

The initial compliance times for the tasks 

specified in the temporary revisions specified 

in paragraphs (g)(1) though (g)(14) of this AD 

are at the applicable time specified in the 

applicable temporary revision, or within 60 

days after the effective date of this AD, 

whichever occurs later. 

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals 

After accomplishing the revisions required 

by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 

actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be 

used other than those specified in the 

temporary revisions specified in paragraphs 

(g)(1) through (g)(14) of this AD, unless the 

actions and intervals are approved as an 

alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in 

accordance with the procedures specified in 

paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. 

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions 

The following provisions also apply to this 

AD: 

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft 

Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, FAA, 

has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 

AD, if requested using the procedures found 

in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 

39.19, send your request to your principal 

inspector or local Flight Standards District 

Office, as appropriate. If sending information 

directly to the manager of the ACO, send it 

to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing 

Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 

1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 

New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228–7300; 

fax: (516) 794–5531. Before using any 

approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 

principal inspector, or lacking a principal 

inspector, the manager of the local flight 

standards district office/certificate holding 

district office. The AMOC approval letter 

must specifically reference this AD. 

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement 

in this AD to obtain corrective actions from 

a manufacturer or other source, use these 

actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective 

actions are considered FAA-approved if they 

are approved by the State of Design Authority 

(or their delegated agent). You are required 

to assure the product is airworthy before it 

is returned to service. 

(k) Related Information 

(1) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness 

Directive CF–2012–13, dated April 10, 2012, 

and the temporary revisions to Appendix B— 

Airworthiness Limitations, of Part 2 of the 

Bombardier CL–600–2B19 MRM specified in 

paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(14) of this AD, 

for related information. 


pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules 63285 

(i) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2098, dated November 24, 2005. 

(ii) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2110, dated November 24, 2005. 

(iii) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2119, dated February 14, 2006. 

(iv) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2123, dated August 28, 2006. 

(v) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2127, dated October 9, 2007. 

(vi) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2128, dated October 9, 2007. 

(vii) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2129, dated February 14, 2008. 

(viii) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary 

Revision 2B–2133, dated February 14, 2008. 

(ix) Temporary Revision 2B–2148, dated 

January 12, 2009. 

(x) Temporary Revision 2B–2160, dated 

January 14, 2011. 

(xi) Temporary Revision 2B–2161, dated 

January 14, 2011. 

(xii) Temporary Revision 2B–2168, dated 

January 14, 2011. 

(xiii) Temporary Revision 2B–2174, dated 

January 14, 2011. 

(xiv) Temporary Revision 2B–2198, dated 

December 8, 2011. 

(2) For service information identified in 

this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 CoˆteVertu Road West, Dorval, Que ́bec H4S 1Y9, 

Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514– 

855–7401; email 

thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http:// 

www.bombardier.com. You may review 

copies of the referenced service information 

at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 

information on the availability of this 

material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. 

Issued in Renton, WA, on October 4, 2012. 

Dionne Palermo, 

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–25430 Filed 10–15–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–1093; Directorate 

Identifier 2011–SW–020–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Brantly 

International, Inc. Helicopters 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for the 

Brantly International, Inc. (Brantly) 

Model B–2, Model B–2A, and Model B– 

2B helicopters with a certain main rotor 

blade. This proposed AD was prompted 

by multiple reports of main rotor (M/R) 

blade cracks and an accident in which 

a crack that originated near the M/R 

blade trailing edge resulted in the loss 

of a large section of the M/R blade. The 

proposed actions are intended to 

prevent loss of the M/R blade and 

subsequent loss of control of the 

helicopter. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by December 17, 

2012. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by 

any of the following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to 

http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

online instructions for sending your 

comments electronically. 

• Fax: 202–493–2251. 

• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. 

Department of Transportation, Docket 

Operations, M–30, West Building 

Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, 

DC 20590–0001. 

• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the 

‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 

p.m., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

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 proposed AD, the 

economic evaluation, any comments 

received, and other information. The 

street address for the Docket Operations 

Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in 

the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 

be available in the AD docket shortly 

after receipt. 

For service information identified in 

this proposed AD, contact Brantly 

International, Inc., 621 South Royal 

Lane, Suite 100, Coppell, Texas 75019, 

telephone (972) 829–4638, email 

tarcher@superiorairparts.com. You may 

review a copy of the referenced service 

information at the FAA, Office of the 

Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 

2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort 

Worth, Texas 76137. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Marc Belhumeur, Senior Project 

Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 

Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 

Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 

76137; telephone (817) 222–5177; email 

marc.belhumeur@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited 

We invite you to participate in this 

rulemaking by submitting written 

comments, data, or views. We also 

invite comments relating to the 

economic, environmental, energy, or 

federalism impacts that might result 

from adopting the proposals in this 

document. The most helpful comments 

reference a specific portion of the 

proposal, explain the reason for any 

recommended change, and include 

supporting data. To ensure the docket 

does not contain duplicate comments, 

commenters should send only one copy 

of written comments, or if comments are 

filed electronically, commenters should 

submit only one time. 

We will file in the docket all 

comments that we receive, as well as a 

report summarizing each substantive 

public contact with FAA personnel 

concerning this proposed rulemaking. 

Before acting on this proposal, we will 

consider all comments we receive on or 

before the closing date for comments. 

We will consider comments filed after 

the comment period has closed if it is 

possible to do so without incurring 

expense or delay. We may change this 

proposal in light of the comments we 

receive. 

Discussion 

We propose to adopt a new AD for all 

Brantly B–2, B–2A, and B–2B 

helicopters with an M/R blade, part 

number (P/N) 248–101, 248–202, or 

248–404. This proposed AD is prompted 

by a 2007 accident in New Zealand in 

which a large inboard section of the M/ 

R blade of a Brantly B–2B helicopter 

separated from the helicopter during 

flight. Laboratory analysis concluded 

that the M/R blade failure was caused 

by hydrocarbon contaminants inside the 

blade’s skin-to-foam bond and that the 

fracture originated near the blade’s 

trailing edge. There were three other 

reports of portions of M/R blades 

separating during flight and another five 

reports of M/R blades having cracks or 

other defects that were found during 

inspections. 

FAA’s Determination 

We are proposing this AD because we 

evaluated all known relevant 

information and determined that an 

unsafe condition exists and is likely to 

exist or develop on other products of 

these same type designs. 

Related Service Information 

We reviewed Brantly International 

Inc. Service Bulletin No. 111, dated 

February 10, 2011 (SB 111). The bulletin 

describes procedures for inspecting the 

M/R blades every 300 hours time-inservice (TIS) using Eddy Current 

Procedure ET002, performing a visual 

inspection using a 10X power 

magnifying glass and conducting a tap 


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