AD NUMBER: 2019-10-51

PRODUCT: All Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters (Airbus) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: Emergency AD 2019-10-51 was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters.

This AD requires, for certain helicopters, inspecting the fuselage frame and providing certain information to the FAA.

This AD also prohibits installing certain components as part of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR00592DE on any helicopter.

This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the fuselage frame.

DATES: This AD is effective September 19, 2019 to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2019-10-51, issued on May 16, 2019, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Comments must be received by October 21, 2019.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 helicopters of U.S. registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.

• Removing the recessed medical wall rack takes about 0.25 work-hour, inspecting for cracks and loose rivets takes about 8 work-hours, and reporting the required information takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $786 per helicopter. Thirty-three blind rivets at about $1.50 each are required to reinstall the inboard web if there are no cracks for a total cost of $50. Loose fitting/doubler rivets cost about $1.50 each. The FAA has no way of estimating the cost to repair any cracked structure.

FMI: AD