### 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 Co ˆ teVertu 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:


### 63283 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules

• 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 Co ˆ te-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 forcontinued 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.


### 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.


### 63285 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules

(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 Co ˆ teVertu 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 theM/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