Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and SA-366G1 Helicopters, 72409-72411 [05-23602]

Download as PDF 72409 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 232 / Monday, December 5, 2005 / Proposed Rules bulletin has been included in general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM and the advance amendment bulletin may be removed, provided the relevant information in the general revision is identical to that in the advance amendment bulletin. TABLE 1.—AFM REVISIONS TABLE 1.—AFM REVISIONS— Continued AFM documents to be revised Airplane model SD3–60 SHERPA. SD3–SHERPA ... SB.5.2. SB.6.2. Airplane model AFM documents to be revised Revision of Airworthiness Limitation (AWL) Section SD3–30 .............. SBH.3.2, SBH.3.3, SBH.3.6, SBH.3.7, SBH.3.8, and SBH.3.9. SB.4.3, SB.4.6, and SB.4.8. (g) Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the AWL section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating airplane maintenance manual sections 5–20–01 and 5–20–02 as introduced SD3–60 .............. by the Shorts temporary revisions (TR) specified in Table 1 of this AD into the AWL section of the AMMs for the airplane models specified in Table 1. Thereafter, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative structural inspection intervals may be approved for the longitudinal skin joints in the fuselage pressure shell. Note 3: The requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD may be done by inserting a copy of the applicable TR into the applicable AMM. When the TR has been included in general revisions of the AMM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AMM and the TR may be removed, provided the relevant information in the general revision is identical to that in the TR. TABLE 2.—AMM TEMPORARY REVISIONS Airplane model Temporary revision Dated SD3–30 .......................................................... SD3–60 .......................................................... SD3–60 SHERPA .......................................... SD3–SHERPA ............................................... TR330–AMM–14 ............................................ TR360–AMM–33 ............................................ TRSD360S–AMM–14 .................................... TRSD3S–AMM–15 ........................................ June 21, 2004 ........ July 27, 2004 ......... July 29, 2004 ......... July 28, 2004 ......... Resistance Check, Inspection, and Jumper Installation (h) Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform the insulation resistance check, general visual inspections, and bonding jumper wire installations; in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD330–28–37, SD360–28–23, SD360 SHERPA–28–3, or SD3 SHERPA–28–2; all dated June 2004; as applicable. If any defects or damage are discovered during any inspection or check required by this AD, before further flight, repair the defects or damage using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM– 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its delegated agent). Note 4: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: ‘‘A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.’’ Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:27 Dec 02, 2005 Jkt 208001 Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (j) British airworthiness directive G–2004– 0021, dated August 25, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 25, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–23600 Filed 12–2–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2005–23159; Directorate Identifier 2005–SW–10–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, and SA–366G1 Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that currently applies to Eurocopter France (ECF) Model SA 365N, N1, and AS 365N2 helicopters. That AD currently requires inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) suspension diagonal cross-member (diagonal cross- PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 To AMM SD3–30 AMM. SD3–60 AMM. SD3–60 SHERPA AMM. SD3–SHERPA AMM. member) for cracks and replacing it with an airworthy part if any crack is found. This action proposes to require more frequent inspections of the diagonal cross-member and adding the Model SA–366G1 helicopters to the applicability. This proposal is prompted by several reports of cracks in the diagonal cross-member. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the diagonal cross-member, pivoting of the MGB, severe vibrations, and a subsequent forced landing. DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 3, 2006. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD: • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically; • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically; • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590; • Fax: 202–493–2251; or • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas E:\FR\FM\05DEP1.SGM 05DEP1 72410 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 232 / Monday, December 5, 2005 / Proposed Rules 75053–4005, telephone (972) 641–3460, fax (972) 641–3527. You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193–0111, telephone (817) 222–5130, fax (817) 222–5961. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to submit any written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address listed under the caption ADDRESSES. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2005–23159, Directorate Identifier 2005–SW–10–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent or signed the comment. You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78) or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You may examine the docket that contains the proposed AD, any comments, and other information in person at the Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647– 5227) is located at the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building in Room PL–401 at 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them. Discussion On April 3, 1998, we issued AD 98– 08–14, Amendment 39–10463 (63 FR 17676, April 10, 1998), to require inspecting each diagonal cross-member VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:27 Dec 02, 2005 Jkt 208001 for cracks and replacing it with an airworthy diagonal cross-member if any crack is found. That action was prompted by several reports of cracks in diagonal cross-members. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent failure of the diagonal crossmember, which could cause the MGB to pivot resulting in severe vibrations and a subsequent forced landing. Since issuing that AD, we have determined the Model SA–366G1 helicopter should be added to the applicability because this model may contain an affected diagonal crossmember, part number (P/N) 365A38– 3023–22, –23 or –24. Also, we have determined after further study and additional reports of failed diagonal cross-members that more frequent inspections of the diagonal crossmember are necessary. The Direction Generale De L’Aviation Civile (DGAC), the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on ECF Model AS–365N, N1, N2, and SA 366 G1 helicopters. The DGAC advises of the discovery of a crack in a diagonal cross-member of the ECF Model SA 366 G1 helicopter. ECF has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 05.00.37, dated May 29, 1997, for Model AS–365N, N1, and N2 helicopters. The SB specifies a periodic inspection for a crack or failure of a central branch of the MGB suspension strut pre-MOD 0763B80. ECF has also issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.25, dated June 19, 2002. The ASB specifies checking the center portion of the MGB suspension cross-bar for Model AS–366G1 helicopters, with a crossbar, P/N 365A38–3023–22, –23, or –24, installed. The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued ADs 2003–241(A) and 1997–093– 041(A) R2, both dated June 25, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France. These helicopter models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the applicable bilateral agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of these type designs that are certificated for operation in the United States. This previously described unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type designs. Therefore, the proposed AD PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 would supersede AD 98–08–14 to require the following: • For Model SA–365N and SA–365N1 helicopters, before accumulating 15,000 operating cycles; and for Model AS– 365N2 and SA–366G1 helicopters, before accumulating 11,000 operating cycles: • Inspect the diagonal cross-member for a crack in the area of the center borehole. Use a borescope with a 90degree drive, a video assembly with optical fiber illumination, or any other appropriate device that makes it possible to visually inspect the center area of the part. • Repeat the previous inspections at intervals not to exceed 250 operating cycles or 50 hours time-in-service, whichever occurs first. • If a crack is found, before further flight, replace the diagonal crossmember with an airworthy diagonal cross-member. We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 133 helicopters of U.S. registry, and would: • Take about 1 work hour to inspect the diagonal cross-member, • Take about 10 work hours to replace the diagonal cross-member, if necessary, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour, and • Cost about $6,600 to replace the part. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $139,990, assuming 12 inspections per year per helicopter, and assuming 5 helicopters require replacing the diagonal crossmember. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. Additionally, 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 that the 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); 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. We prepared a draft economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. See the E:\FR\FM\05DEP1.SGM 05DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 232 / Monday, December 5, 2005 / Proposed Rules DMS to examine the draft economic evaluation. 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. 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: (a) For Model SA–365N and SA–365N1 helicopters, before accumulating 15,000 operating cycles; and for Model AS–365N2 and SA–366G1 helicopters, before accumulating 11,000 operating cycles: (1) Inspect the diagonal cross-member for a crack in the area of the center borehole. Use a borescope with a 90-degree drive, a video assembly with optical fiber illumination, or any other appropriate device that allows you to visually inspect the center area of the part. (2) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 250 operating cycles or 50 hours timein-service, whichever occurs first. Note 1: ‘‘Operating cycles’’ are defined in the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Master Servicing Recommendations. (b) If a crack is found as a result of the inspections required by this AD, before further flight, replace the diagonal crossmember with an airworthy diagonal crossmember. (c) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L’Aviation Civile (France) AD 1997–093–041(A) R2, dated June 25, 2003, and 2003–241(A), dated June 25, 2003. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 23, 2005. Carl F. Mittag, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–23602 Filed 12–2–05; 8:45 am] PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 20 CFR Parts 404 and 416 [Regulation Nos. 4 and 16] [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39–10463 (63 FR 17676, April 10, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as follows: RIN 0960–AG12 Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA–2005– 23159; Directorate Identifier 2005–SW– 10–AD. Supersedes AD 98–08–14, Amendment 39–10463, Docket No. 97– SW–21–AD. Applicability: Model SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, and SA–366G1 helicopters with a main gearbox (MGB) suspension diagonal cross-member (diagonal cross-member) part number (P/N) 365A38–3023–20, –21, –22, –23, or –24 installed, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the diagonal crossmember, pivoting of the MGB, severe vibrations, and subsequent forced landing, do the following: AGENCY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:27 Dec 02, 2005 Jkt 208001 Nonpayment of Benefits to Fugitive Felons and Probation or Parole Violators ACTION: Social Security Administration. Proposed rules. SUMMARY: To implement section 203 of the Social Security Protection Act of 2004 (SSPA), we propose to revise our regulations on the payment of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act). Section 203 requires that title II benefits will not be paid to a person who is a fugitive felon or probation or parole violator, unless good cause is shown as specified in this new law. Section 203 also added a good cause exception to PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 72411 the title XVI fugitive felon ineligibility provision. In addition, we propose to make other changes in our regulations, required by this legislation, such as removing the reference to high misdemeanors in the state of New Jersey. Finally, we propose to clarify our interpretation of the statutory language ‘‘fleeing to avoid’’ for the purposes of the title II and title XVI provisions. DATES: To be sure that we consider your comments, we must receive them by February 3, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may give us your comments by: Using our Internet site facility (i.e., Social Security Online) at https://policy.ssa.gov/erm/rules.nsf/ Rules+Open+To+Comment or the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov; e-mail to regulations@ssa.gov; telefax to (410) 966–2830; or letter to the Commissioner of Social Security, P.O. Box 17703, Baltimore, MD 21235–7703. You may also deliver them to the Office of Regulations, Social Security Administration, 100 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235–6401, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on regular business days. Comments are posted on our Internet site, or you may inspect them physically on regular business days by making arrangements with the contact person shown in this preamble. Electronic Version The electronic file of this document is available on the date of publication in the Federal Register at https:// www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Bresnick, Social Insurance Specialist, Office of Regulations, Social Security Administration, 100 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235–6401, (410) 965– 1758 or TTY (410) 966–5609. For information on eligibility or filing for benefits, call our national toll-free number, 1–800–772–1213 or TTY 1– 800–325–0778, or visit our Internet site, Social Security Online, at https:// www.socialsecurity.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–193) provided in section 1611(e)(4) of the Act that a person is ineligible for payments under title XVI for any month he or she is avoiding prosecution for a felony, is avoiding confinement for conviction of a felony, or is violating a condition of probation or parole. Prior to the enactment of the SSPA (Pub. L. 108– 203) on March 2, 2004, section 1611(e)(4) of the Act also provided that E:\FR\FM\05DEP1.SGM 05DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 232 (Monday, December 5, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72409-72411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-23602]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-23159; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-10-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, SA-
365N1, AS-365N2, and SA-366G1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that currently applies to Eurocopter France (ECF) Model 
SA 365N, N1, and AS 365N2 helicopters. That AD currently requires 
inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) suspension diagonal cross-member 
(diagonal cross-member) for cracks and replacing it with an airworthy 
part if any crack is found. This action proposes to require more 
frequent inspections of the diagonal cross-member and adding the Model 
SA-366G1 helicopters to the applicability. This proposal is prompted by 
several reports of cracks in the diagonal cross-member. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the 
diagonal cross-member, pivoting of the MGB, severe vibrations, and a 
subsequent forced landing.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 3, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically;
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically;
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590;
     Fax: 202-493-2251; or
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, 
Texas

[[Page 72410]]

75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.
    You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket 
on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written data, views, or arguments 
regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address listed 
under the caption ADDRESSES. Include the docket number ``FAA-2005-
23159, Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-10-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the search 
function of our docket Web site, you can find and read the comments to 
any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent or 
signed the comment. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act 
Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 
19477-78) or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the proposed AD, any 
comments, and other information in person at the Docket Management 
System (DMS) Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-
647-5227) is located at the plaza level of the Department of 
Transportation NASSIF Building in Room PL-401 at 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Washington, DC. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    On April 3, 1998, we issued AD 98-08-14, Amendment 39-10463 (63 FR 
17676, April 10, 1998), to require inspecting each diagonal cross-
member for cracks and replacing it with an airworthy diagonal cross-
member if any crack is found. That action was prompted by several 
reports of cracks in diagonal cross-members. The requirements of that 
AD are intended to prevent failure of the diagonal cross-member, which 
could cause the MGB to pivot resulting in severe vibrations and a 
subsequent forced landing.
    Since issuing that AD, we have determined the Model SA-366G1 
helicopter should be added to the applicability because this model may 
contain an affected diagonal cross-member, part number (P/N) 365A38-
3023-22, -23 or -24. Also, we have determined after further study and 
additional reports of failed diagonal cross-members that more frequent 
inspections of the diagonal cross-member are necessary.
    The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on ECF Model AS-365N, N1, N2, and SA 366 G1 
helicopters. The DGAC advises of the discovery of a crack in a diagonal 
cross-member of the ECF Model SA 366 G1 helicopter.
    ECF has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 05.00.37, dated May 29, 
1997, for Model AS-365N, N1, and N2 helicopters. The SB specifies a 
periodic inspection for a crack or failure of a central branch of the 
MGB suspension strut pre-MOD 0763B80. ECF has also issued Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.25, dated June 19, 2002. The ASB specifies 
checking the center portion of the MGB suspension cross-bar for Model 
AS-366G1 helicopters, with a crossbar, P/N 365A38-3023-22, -23, or -24, 
installed. The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and 
issued ADs 2003-241(A) and 1997-093-041(A) R2, both dated June 25, 
2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in 
France.
    These helicopter models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the 
applicable bilateral agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of these type designs that are certificated 
for operation in the United States.
    This previously described unsafe condition is likely to exist or 
develop on other helicopters of the same type designs. Therefore, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 98-08-14 to require the following:
     For Model SA-365N and SA-365N1 helicopters, before 
accumulating 15,000 operating cycles; and for Model AS-365N2 and SA-
366G1 helicopters, before accumulating 11,000 operating cycles:
     Inspect the diagonal cross-member for a crack in the area 
of the center borehole. Use a borescope with a 90-degree drive, a video 
assembly with optical fiber illumination, or any other appropriate 
device that makes it possible to visually inspect the center area of 
the part.
     Repeat the previous inspections at intervals not to exceed 
250 operating cycles or 50 hours time-in-service, whichever occurs 
first.
     If a crack is found, before further flight, replace the 
diagonal cross-member with an airworthy diagonal cross-member.
    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 133 helicopters of 
U.S. registry, and would:
     Take about 1 work hour to inspect the diagonal cross-
member,
     Take about 10 work hours to replace the diagonal cross-
member, if necessary, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour, 
and
     Cost about $6,600 to replace the part.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $139,990, assuming 12 inspections 
per year per helicopter, and assuming 5 helicopters require replacing 
the diagonal cross-member.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. Additionally, 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 that the 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); 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.
    We prepared a draft economic evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the

[[Page 72411]]

DMS to examine the draft economic evaluation.

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.
    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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 removing Amendment 39-10463 (63 FR 
17676, April 10, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA-2005-23159; Directorate Identifier 
2005-SW-10-AD. Supersedes AD 98-08-14, Amendment 39-10463, Docket 
No. 97-SW-21-AD.
    Applicability: Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and SA-366G1 
helicopters with a main gearbox (MGB) suspension diagonal cross-
member (diagonal cross-member) part number (P/N) 365A38-3023-20, -
21, -22, -23, or -24 installed, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the diagonal cross-member, pivoting of the 
MGB, severe vibrations, and subsequent forced landing, do the 
following:
    (a) For Model SA-365N and SA-365N1 helicopters, before 
accumulating 15,000 operating cycles; and for Model AS-365N2 and SA-
366G1 helicopters, before accumulating 11,000 operating cycles:
    (1) Inspect the diagonal cross-member for a crack in the area of 
the center borehole. Use a borescope with a 90-degree drive, a video 
assembly with optical fiber illumination, or any other appropriate 
device that allows you to visually inspect the center area of the 
part.
    (2) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a)(1) of this 
AD at intervals not to exceed 250 operating cycles or 50 hours time-
in-service, whichever occurs first.

    Note 1: ``Operating cycles'' are defined in the Airworthiness 
Limitations Section of the Master Servicing Recommendations.

    (b) If a crack is found as a result of the inspections required 
by this AD, before further flight, replace the diagonal cross-member 
with an airworthy diagonal cross-member.
    (c) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
for information about previously approved alternative methods of 
compliance.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 1997-093-041(A) R2, dated 
June 25, 2003, and 2003-241(A), dated June 25, 2003.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 23, 2005.
Carl F. Mittag,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-23602 Filed 12-2-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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