Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 355 N Helicopters, 3891-3893 [E8-1027]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 15 / Wednesday, January 23, 2008 / Proposed Rules
Accomplishment Instructions in Bell
Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin (TB)
No. 222–03–171, Part 1, applicable to Model
222 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 47006–
47038, and Part 2, applicable to Model 222
helicopters, S/N 47039–47089, and Model
222B helicopters, S/N 47131–47156; TB No.
222U–03–96, applicable to Model 222U
helicopters; TB No. 230–03–35, applicable to
Model 230 helicopters; and TB No. 430–03–
33, applicable to Model 430 helicopters. All
of the technical bulletins are dated June 11,
2003.
(b) 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 Manager, Regulations and
Policy Group, FAA, ATTN: Carroll Wright,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76193–0110, telephone (817) 222–5120, fax
(817) 222–5961, for information about
previously approved alternative methods of
compliance.
Note: The subject of this AD is addressed
in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF–2006–
03, dated February 28, 2006.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 8,
2008.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–1026 Filed 1–22–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0041; Directorate
Identifier 2007–SW–16–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Model AS 355 N Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model
AS 355 N helicopters. This proposed
AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), the technical Agent for
France, with which we have a bilateral
agreement states in the MCAI:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is
issued because it was found that the power
drawn by the starter generators from the
engines is above the consumption capacity at
altitudes above 3,000 meters, declared for the
engines of AS 355 N helicopters.
15:07 Jan 22, 2008
After engine start, the starter generator
functions as the normal operational
electrical generator.
The proposed AD would require
actions that are intended to address this
unsafe condition.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 22, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
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 20590 between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Excessive power consumption of the starter
generators reduces the engine surge margin,
which can result in engine failure.
Jkt 214001
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov, or in person at the
Docket Operations Office Facility
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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ed
Cuevas, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA,
Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety
Management Group, Fort Worth, Texas
76193–0111, telephone (817) 222–5355,
fax (817) 222–5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new
process for streamlining the issuance of
ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined
process will allow us to adopt MCAI
safety requirements in a more efficient
manner and will reduce safety risks to
the public. This process continues to
follow all FAA AD issuance processes to
meet legal, economic, Administrative
Procedure Act, and Federal Register
requirements. We also continue to meet
our technical decision-making
responsibilities to identify and correct
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
3891
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated
products.
This proposed AD references the
MCAI and related service information
that we considered in forming the
engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The proposed AD contains
text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain
language principles.
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–2008–0041; Directorate Identifier
2007–SW–16–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 https://
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
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued an MCAI in the
form of EASA Airworthiness Directive
2006–0338, dated November 7, 2006
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
correct an unsafe condition for these
French-certificated products. The MCAI
states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is
issued because it was found that the power
drawn by the starter generators from the
engines is above the consumption capacity at
altitudes above 3,000 meters, declared for the
engines of AS 355 N helicopters.
Excessive power consumption of the starter
generators reduces the engine surge margin,
which can result in engine failure.
The starter-generator is a single unit
that operates as both an engine starter
generator and after starting, as an
operational generator. The EASA AD
and the Eurocopter service bulletin refer
to this unit as a starter generator when
used as a generator. The starter
generator requires energy from the
engine to generate electricity. When the
electrical current exceeds 100 amps, the
load on the engine reduces the engine
surge margin and may cause the engine
to surge and flame out.
Therefore, at altitudes above 10,000
feet, the maximum continuous current
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3892
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 15 / Wednesday, January 23, 2008 / Proposed Rules
supplied by each starter generator must
be limited to 100 amps to prevent
engine surging.
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI and service
information in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service
Bulletin No. 01.00.52, Revision 1, dated
September 14, 2006. The actions
described in the MCAI are intended to
correct the same unsafe condition as
that identified in the service
information.
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 this State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information. 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.
ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with PROPOSALS
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But
we might have found it necessary to use
different words from those in the MCAI
to ensure the AD is clear for U.S.
operators and is enforceable. In making
these changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
We might also have proposed
different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA
policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in the ‘‘Differences Between
the FAA AD and the MCAI’’ section in
the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 17 helicopters of
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it
would take about 15 minutes to install
the placard in each helicopter. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
The manufacturer states in its service
bulletin that the ‘‘labels will be
delivered free of charge on the
Operator’s order.’’ Because the
manufacturer has indicated it will
provide the placard free of charge, we
have assumed there will be no charge
for these placards. However, because we
do not control warranty coverage for
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:07 Jan 22, 2008
Jkt 214001
affected parties, some parties may incur
costs higher than estimated here. Based
on these figures, we estimate the cost of
the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be
$340 or $20 per helicopter.
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.
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); 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 an economic 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, Safety.
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:
Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA–2008–
0041; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–
16–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by February
22, 2008.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model AS 355 N
helicopters, certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is
issued because it was found that the power
drawn by the starter generators from the
engines is above the consumption capacity at
altitudes above 3,000 meters, declared for the
engines of AS 355 N helicopters.
Excessive power consumption of the starter
generators reduces the engine surge margin,
which can result in engine failure.
The starter-generator is a single unit that is
operated both as an engine starter generator
and after starting, as an operational generator.
The EASA AD and the Eurocopter service
bulletin refer to this unit as a starter
generator. The starter generator requires
energy from the engine to generate electricity.
When the electrical current exceeds 100
amps, the load on the engine reduces the
engine surge margin and may cause the
engine to surge and flame out.
Therefore, at altitudes above 10,000 feet,
the maximum continuous current supplied
by each starter generator must be limited to
100 amps to prevent engine surging.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Within 100 hours time-in-service or
within 12 months, whichever occurs first,
unless already done, do the following
actions:
(1) Install a limitation placard (indicating
the new load limitation for the starter
generator) on the overhead instrument panel,
immediately below the ammeter.
(2) The placard must state the following:
Maximum continuous load per generator
100A IF Hp>10000 ft.
The Proposed Amendment
Differences Between the FAA AD and the
MCAI
(f) None.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
Subject
(g) Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 2435—Electrical Power Starter
Generator, 80—Starting.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 15 / Wednesday, January 23, 2008 / Proposed Rules
Other Information
(h) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: Ed Cuevas, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas 76193–
0111, telephone (817) 222–5355, fax (817)
222–5961.
(2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAAapproved corrective actions. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent) if the State of
Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement
with the United States. You are required to
assure the product is airworthy before it is
returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
(i) MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive
No. 2006–0338, dated November 7, 2006, and
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin, Revision 1,
No. 01.00.52, dated September 14, 2006,
contain related information.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December
27, 2007.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–1027 Filed 1–22–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
29 CFR Part 1926
[Docket ID–OSHA–2007–0026]
RIN 1218–AB47
Confined Spaces in Construction
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), Labor.
ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking;
extension of written comment period.
ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: On November 28, 2007,
OSHA published a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) titled ‘‘Confined
Spaces in Construction.’’ The period for
submitting written comments is being
extended 30 days to allow parties
affected by the rule more time to review
the proposed rule and collect
information and data necessary for
comments.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:07 Jan 22, 2008
Jkt 214001
Comments must be submitted
(postmarked or sent) by February 28,
2008.
DATES:
You may submit written
comments, identified by Docket No.
OSHA–2007–0026, by any of the
following methods:
Electronically: You may submit
comments and attachments
electronically at https://
www.regulations.gov, which is the
Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the
instructions online for making
electronic submissions.
Fax: If your comments, including
attachments, do not exceed 10 pages,
you may fax them to the OSHA Docket
Office at (202) 693–1648.
Mail, hand delivery, express mail,
messenger or courier service: You must
submit three copies of your comments
and attachments to the OSHA Docket
Office, Docket No. OSHA–2007–0026,
U.S. Department of Labor, Room N–
2625, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202)
693–2350 (OSHA’s TTY number is (877)
889–5627). Deliveries (hand, express
mail, messenger and courier service) are
accepted during the Department of
Labor’s and Docket Office’s normal
business hours, 8:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m.,
E.T.
Instructions: All submissions must
include the Agency name and the
docket number for this rulemaking
(Docket No. OSHA–2007–0026). All
comments, including any personal
information you provide, are placed in
the public docket without change and
may be made available online at
https://www.regulations.gov. Therefore,
OSHA cautions you about submitting
personal information such as social
security numbers and birthdates. For
further information on submitting
comments, plus additional information
on the rulemaking process, see the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document.
Docket: To read or download
comments and materials submitted in
response to this Federal Register notice,
go to Docket No. OSHA–2007–0026 at
https://www.regulations.gov or at the
OSHA Docket Office at the above
address. All comments and submissions
are listed in the https://
www.regulations.gov index; however,
some information (e.g., copyrighted
material) is not publicly available to
read or download through that Web
page. All comments and submissions,
including copyrighted material, are
available for inspection and copying at
the OSHA Docket Office.
For information on accessing exhibits
referenced in the Confined Spaces in
ADDRESSES:
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3893
Construction proposal, see the ‘‘Public
Participation’’ heading in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document.
Electronic copies of this Federal
Register document are available at
https://www.regulations.gov. Copies also
are available from the OSHA Office of
Publications, Room N–3101, U.S.
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210;
telephone (202) 693–1888. This
document, as well as news releases and
other relevant information, also are
available at OSHA’s Web page at
https://www.osha.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
General information and press inquiries:
Contact Mr. Kevin Ropp, Office of
Communications, Room N–3647, OSHA,
U.S. Department of Labor, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20210; telephone (202) 693–1999.
Technical inquiries: Contact Mr.
Garvin Branch, Directorate of
Construction, Room N–3468, OSHA,
U.S. Department of Labor, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20210; telephone (202) 693–2020 or
fax (202) 693–1689.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Extension of Comment Period
On November 28, 2007, at 72 FR
67351, OSHA published a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled
‘‘Confined Spaces in Construction.’’ In
this NPRM, OSHA announced a
proposed rule for confined spaces in
construction; provided an explanation
of the rule and its economic analysis;
and solicited comments from the public
regarded various confined-spaces issues.
The period for submitting written
comments was to expire on January 28,
2008. However, the following
associations have requested a 60-day
extension for submitting their written
comments and information: The
National Association of Home Builders
(NAHB), the National Utility
Contractors Association (NUCA), and
the Associated Builders and Contractors
Association (ABC). The NAHB cites as
reasons for its request the complexity of
the rule and its need for additional time
to enable them to consult with their
members. The ABC cites these reasons
and notes that the comment period
coincided with the holiday season,
which made it more difficult for ABC to
survey its members on the NPRM.
OSHA believes that a 30-day
extension will be sufficient to
accommodate these considerations,
facilitate the submission of more
thorough reviews, and provide OSHA
with a complete record for this
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 15 (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3891-3893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-1027]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0041; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-16-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 355 N
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
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS 355 N helicopters. This
proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to
identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the technical Agent for France,
with which we have a bilateral agreement states in the MCAI:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued because it was found
that the power drawn by the starter generators from the engines is
above the consumption capacity at altitudes above 3,000 meters,
declared for the engines of AS 355 N helicopters.
Excessive power consumption of the starter generators reduces
the engine surge margin, which can result in engine failure.
After engine start, the starter generator functions as the normal
operational electrical generator.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address
this unsafe condition.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 22,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://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 20590 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 https://
www.regulations.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations Office
Facility 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ed Cuevas, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Fort Worth, Texas
76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5355, fax (817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service
information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to
correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from
the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language
principles.
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-2008-0041;
Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-16-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 https://
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
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued an
MCAI in the form of EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-0338, dated
November 7, 2006 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct
an unsafe condition for these French-certificated products. The MCAI
states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued because it was found
that the power drawn by the starter generators from the engines is
above the consumption capacity at altitudes above 3,000 meters,
declared for the engines of AS 355 N helicopters.
Excessive power consumption of the starter generators reduces
the engine surge margin, which can result in engine failure.
The starter-generator is a single unit that operates as both an
engine starter generator and after starting, as an operational
generator. The EASA AD and the Eurocopter service bulletin refer to
this unit as a starter generator when used as a generator. The starter
generator requires energy from the engine to generate electricity. When
the electrical current exceeds 100 amps, the load on the engine reduces
the engine surge margin and may cause the engine to surge and flame
out.
Therefore, at altitudes above 10,000 feet, the maximum continuous
current
[[Page 3892]]
supplied by each starter generator must be limited to 100 amps to
prevent engine surging.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI and
service information in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.52, Revision
1, dated September 14, 2006. The actions described in the MCAI are
intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in the
service information.
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 this State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in the ``Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI''
section in the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 17 helicopters
of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 15 minutes
to install the placard in each helicopter. The average labor rate is
$80 per work-hour. The manufacturer states in its service bulletin that
the ``labels will be delivered free of charge on the Operator's
order.'' Because the manufacturer has indicated it will provide the
placard free of charge, we have assumed there will be no charge for
these placards. However, because we do not control warranty coverage
for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than
estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $340 or $20 per helicopter.
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.
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); 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 an economic 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, 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA-2008-0041; Directorate Identifier
2007-SW-16-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by February 22, 2008.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model AS 355 N helicopters, certificated
in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued because it was found
that the power drawn by the starter generators from the engines is
above the consumption capacity at altitudes above 3,000 meters,
declared for the engines of AS 355 N helicopters.
Excessive power consumption of the starter generators reduces
the engine surge margin, which can result in engine failure.
The starter-generator is a single unit that is operated both as
an engine starter generator and after starting, as an operational
generator. The EASA AD and the Eurocopter service bulletin refer to
this unit as a starter generator. The starter generator requires
energy from the engine to generate electricity. When the electrical
current exceeds 100 amps, the load on the engine reduces the engine
surge margin and may cause the engine to surge and flame out.
Therefore, at altitudes above 10,000 feet, the maximum
continuous current supplied by each starter generator must be
limited to 100 amps to prevent engine surging.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Within 100 hours time-in-service or within 12 months,
whichever occurs first, unless already done, do the following
actions:
(1) Install a limitation placard (indicating the new load
limitation for the starter generator) on the overhead instrument
panel, immediately below the ammeter.
(2) The placard must state the following: Maximum continuous
load per generator 100A IF Hp>10000 ft.
Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI
(f) None.
Subject
(g) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 2435--
Electrical Power Starter Generator, 80--Starting.
[[Page 3893]]
Other Information
(h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Ed Cuevas, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort
Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5355, fax (817) 222-
5961.
(2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAA-approved corrective actions.
Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved
by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent) if the
State of Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement with the
United States. You are required to assure the product is airworthy
before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(i) MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0338, dated
November 7, 2006, and Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin, Revision 1,
No. 01.00.52, dated September 14, 2006, contain related information.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 27, 2007.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-1027 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
