Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 Helicopters, 6584-6586 [E8-1701]
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6584
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 5, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 1.—ACTIONS, COMPLIANCE, AND PROCEDURES—Continued
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(5) Install the fuselage fairings and apply corrosion inhibitive sealant.
Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD if no
corrosion was found; or before further flight
after doing the repairs and inspections required in paragraphs (e)(2), (e)(3), and
(e)(4) of this AD if corrosion or cracks were
found.
Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
Follow Cessna Citation Alert Service Letter
ASL525–53–04, Revision 2, dated August
19, 2007; Cessna Citation Alert Service Letter ASL525A–53–05, Revision 2, dated July
25, 2007; or Cessna Citation Alert Service
Letter ASL525B–53–02, Revision 2, dated
July 25, 2007.
Cessna Citation Service Bulletin SB525–53–
20, dated April 30, 2007; Cessna Citation
Service Bulletin SB525A–53–01, dated April
30, 2007; or Cessna Citation Service Bulletin SB525B–53–01, dated April 30, 2007.
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking
a PI, your local FSDO.
Citation Marketing Division, P.O. 7706,
Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone: 1–800–
835–4090; fax: 1–800–517–8500.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
(6) Determine the type of installation of the
cockpit mounted pilot relief tube and disable
the relief tube.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 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: T.N.
Baktha, Wichita ACO, Aerospace Engineer,
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita,
Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946–4155;
fax: (316) 946–4107. Before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which
the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight
Material Incorporated by Reference
(g) You must use the service information
specified in Table 2 of this AD to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Cessna Aircraft Company,
TABLE 2.—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Service Bulletin No.
Cessna
Cessna
Cessna
Cessna
Cessna
Cessna
Citation
Citation
Citation
Citation
Citation
Citation
Alert Service Letter ASL525–53–04 .....................................................................................
Alert Service Letter ASL525A–53–05 ...................................................................................
Alert Service Letter ASL525B–53–02 ...................................................................................
Service Bulletin SB525A–53–20 ...........................................................................................
Service Bulletin SB525A–53–01 ...........................................................................................
Service Bulletin SB525B–53–01 ...........................................................................................
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January
24, 2008.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–1821 Filed 2–4–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0100; Directorate
Identifier 2007–SW–41–AD; Amendment 39–
15356; AD 2008–03–07]
rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
Model AS 332 L2 Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Revision
15:28 Feb 04, 2008
Jkt 214001
Final rule; request for
comments.
ACTION:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2
helicopters. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an
aviation authority to identify and
correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the
Technical Agent of France, with which
we have a bilateral agreement, states in
the MCAI:
A borescope inspection during scheduled
maintenance revealed wear on the internal
skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N
41918001, that had been installed on a
Eurocopter AS 332 L2 helicopter. The
plunger tube end is fitted with a metal endfitting that presses against the internal
surface of the cylinder due to its installation
horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations
generated by helicopter operation are
therefore causing such wear, which may
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2
2
2
....................
....................
....................
Date
August 19, 2007.
July 25, 2007.
July 25, 2007.
April 30, 2007
April 30, 2007.
April 30, 2007.
result in a drop of internal pressure of the
cylinder. This internal damage, if not
corrected, could lead to functional failure of
the cylinder, making the life raft inflation no
longer possible.
This AD requires actions that are
intended to address the failure of a life
raft to inflate during an emergency
landing on water (ditching), which
could result in loss of the crew and
passengers.
This AD becomes effective on
February 20, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007, as of
February 20, 2008.
We must receive comments on this
AD by April 7, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
DATES:
E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM
05FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 5, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
• 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
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this 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:
Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations
and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas
76193–0110, telephone (817) 222–5123,
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
helicopters.
This AD references the MCAI and
related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering
basis to correct the unsafe condition.
The AD contains text copied from the
MCAI and for this reason might not
follow our plain language principles.
rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA AD No.
2007–0244, dated September 4, 2007
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
correct an unsafe condition for the
specified helicopters. The MCAI states:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:28 Feb 04, 2008
Jkt 214001
A borescope inspection during scheduled
maintenance revealed wear on the internal
skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N
41918001, that had been installed on a
Eurocopter AS 332 L2 helicopter. The
plunger tube end is fitted with a metal endfitting that presses against the internal
surface of the cylinder due to its installation
horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations
generated by helicopter operation are
therefore causing such wear, which may
result in a drop of internal pressure of the
cylinder. This internal damage, if not
corrected, could lead to functional failure of
the cylinder, making the life raft inflation no
longer possible.
Pending the development of a modification
to the inflation cylinder, this AD requires
identification of all affected cylinders and the
removal from service of those that have
accumulated 2,500 Flight Hours (FH) or more
since installation or since overhaul.
Relevant Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service
Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated July 31,
2007. 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 AD
This helicopter has been approved by
the aviation authority of the Member
States of the European Community, 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 the service information. We are
issuing this AD because we evaluated
all pertinent information and
determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of the same type design.
There are no helicopters of this type
currently registered in the United States.
However, this rule is necessary to
ensure that the described unsafe
condition is addressed if any of these
products are placed on the U.S. Registry
in the future.
Differences Between the AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. We
have limited the ‘‘Applicability’’ section
of our AD to those helicopters type
certificated in the United States. We
also changed ‘‘flight hours’’ to ‘‘hours
time-in-service.’’ In making these small
changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related
service information. These differences
are highlighted in the ‘‘Differences
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6585
Between the FAA AD and the MCAI’’
section in the AD.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
Since there are currently no domestic
operators of these helicopters, notice
and opportunity for public comment
before issuing this AD are unnecessary,
and this amendment can be made
effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not precede it by notice and
opportunity for public comment. We
invite you to send any written relevant
data, views, or arguments about this AD.
Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2008–0100;
Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–41–AD’’
at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance
since there are no helicopters of this
type design on the U.S. Registry.
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.
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05FER1
6586
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 5, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 AD:
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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
I
2008–03–07 Eurocopter: Amendment 39–
15356. Docket No. FAA–2008–0100;
Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–41–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective February 20, 2008.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Eurocopter Model
AS 332 L2, with Life Raft, part number (P/
N) 00051047 or P/N 00051048, that has a Life
Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 41918001,
installed, certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
A borescope inspection during scheduled
maintenance revealed wear on the internal
skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N
41918001, that had been installed on a
Eurocopter AS 332 L2 helicopter. The
plunger tube end is fitted with a metal end-
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:28 Feb 04, 2008
Jkt 214001
fitting that presses against the internal
surface of the cylinder due to its installation
horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations
generated by helicopter operation are
therefore causing such wear, which may
result in a drop of internal pressure of the
cylinder. This internal damage, if not
corrected, could lead to functional failure of
the cylinder, making the life raft inflation no
longer possible.
Pending the development of a modification
to the inflation cylinder, this AD requires
identification of all affected cylinders and the
removal from service of those that have
accumulated 2,500 Flight Hours (FH) or more
since installation or since overhaul.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Within the next 100 hours time-inservice (TIS) after the effective date of this
AD, remove each life raft inflation cylinder,
P/N 41918001, that has accumulated or
exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since first
installation or since last overhaul, whichever
is later, in accordance with Appendix 1,
paragraph 3.1., of Eurocopter Alert Service
Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007
(ASB), and replace it with an airworthy
cylinder in accordance with Appendix 1,
paragraph 3.2 of the ASB.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, no
person shall install a life raft inflation
cylinder, P/N 41918001, on a helicopter, if
that cylinder has accumulated or exceeded
2,500 hours TIS since first installation or
since last overhaul, or if it is older than 3
years since manufacture and has never been
overhauled.
Differences Between the FAA AD and the
MCAI
(f) This AD does not apply to Model EC
225 LP helicopters as does the MCAI because
that model helicopter is not type certificated
in the United States. Additionally, we have
changed ‘‘flight hours’’ to ‘‘hours time-inservice.’’ We also clarified the applicable
paragraphs from the ASB in paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD.
Subject
(g) Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 2564: Life Raft.
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: Uday Garadi, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth,
Texas 76193–0110, telephone (817) 222–
5123, 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
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2007–0244, dated September 4,
2007 contains related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007, under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(k) For service information identified in
this AD, contact American Eurocopter
Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, Texas 75053–4005, telephone (972)
641–3460, fax (972) 641–3527.
(l) You may review copies of Eurocopter
Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated
July 31, 2007, at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/
cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on January 23,
2008.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–1701 Filed 2–4–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–28299; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–139–AD; Amendment
39–15354; AD 2008–03–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747–100B
SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F,
747–300, 747–400, 747–400D, 747–
400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series
Airplanes; and Model 767–200 and
–300 Series Airplanes; Equipped With
Certain Goodrich Evacuation Systems
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
E:\FR\FM\05FER1.SGM
05FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 5, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6584-6586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-1701]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0100; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-41-AD;
Amendment 39-15356; AD 2008-03-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 helicopters. This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Technical
Agent of France, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in
the MCAI:
A borescope inspection during scheduled maintenance revealed
wear on the internal skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N
41918001, that had been installed on a Eurocopter AS 332 L2
helicopter. The plunger tube end is fitted with a metal end-fitting
that presses against the internal surface of the cylinder due to its
installation horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations generated
by helicopter operation are therefore causing such wear, which may
result in a drop of internal pressure of the cylinder. This internal
damage, if not corrected, could lead to functional failure of the
cylinder, making the life raft inflation no longer possible.
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the failure of a
life raft to inflate during an emergency landing on water (ditching),
which could result in loss of the crew and passengers.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on February 20, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated July
31, 2007, as of February 20, 2008.
We must receive comments on this AD by April 7, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
[[Page 6585]]
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 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this 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: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth,
Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5123, 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 helicopters.
This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain language principles.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
AD No. 2007-0244, dated September 4, 2007 (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
helicopters. The MCAI states:
A borescope inspection during scheduled maintenance revealed
wear on the internal skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N
41918001, that had been installed on a Eurocopter AS 332 L2
helicopter. The plunger tube end is fitted with a metal end-fitting
that presses against the internal surface of the cylinder due to its
installation horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations generated
by helicopter operation are therefore causing such wear, which may
result in a drop of internal pressure of the cylinder. This internal
damage, if not corrected, could lead to functional failure of the
cylinder, making the life raft inflation no longer possible.
Pending the development of a modification to the inflation
cylinder, this AD requires identification of all affected cylinders
and the removal from service of those that have accumulated 2,500
Flight Hours (FH) or more since installation or since overhaul.
Relevant Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated
July 31, 2007. 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 AD
This helicopter has been approved by the aviation authority of the
Member States of the European Community, 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 the service information. We are
issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of the same type design.
There are no helicopters of this type currently registered in the
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are
placed on the U.S. Registry in the future.
Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. We have limited the
``Applicability'' section of our AD to those helicopters type
certificated in the United States. We also changed ``flight hours'' to
``hours time-in-service.'' In making these small changes, we do not
intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the
MCAI and related service information. These differences are highlighted
in the ``Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI'' section in the
AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since there are currently no domestic operators of these
helicopters, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing
this AD are unnecessary, and this amendment can be made effective in
less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0100; Directorate
Identifier 2007-SW-41-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance since there are no helicopters of
this type design on the U.S. Registry.
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.
[[Page 6586]]
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 AD:
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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2008-03-07 Eurocopter: Amendment 39-15356. Docket No. FAA-2008-0100;
Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-41-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February
20, 2008.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2, with Life
Raft, part number (P/N) 00051047 or P/N 00051048, that has a Life
Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 41918001, installed, certificated in
any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
A borescope inspection during scheduled maintenance revealed
wear on the internal skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N
41918001, that had been installed on a Eurocopter AS 332 L2
helicopter. The plunger tube end is fitted with a metal end-fitting
that presses against the internal surface of the cylinder due to its
installation horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations generated
by helicopter operation are therefore causing such wear, which may
result in a drop of internal pressure of the cylinder. This internal
damage, if not corrected, could lead to functional failure of the
cylinder, making the life raft inflation no longer possible.
Pending the development of a modification to the inflation
cylinder, this AD requires identification of all affected cylinders
and the removal from service of those that have accumulated 2,500
Flight Hours (FH) or more since installation or since overhaul.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD, remove each life raft inflation cylinder,
P/N 41918001, that has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since
first installation or since last overhaul, whichever is later, in
accordance with Appendix 1, paragraph 3.1., of Eurocopter Alert
Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007 (ASB), and
replace it with an airworthy cylinder in accordance with Appendix 1,
paragraph 3.2 of the ASB.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a life raft inflation cylinder, P/N 41918001, on a helicopter, if
that cylinder has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since
first installation or since last overhaul, or if it is older than 3
years since manufacture and has never been overhauled.
Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI
(f) This AD does not apply to Model EC 225 LP helicopters as
does the MCAI because that model helicopter is not type certificated
in the United States. Additionally, we have changed ``flight hours''
to ``hours time-in-service.'' We also clarified the applicable
paragraphs from the ASB in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
Subject
(g) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 2564: Life
Raft.
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: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort
Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5123, 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) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0244, dated September 4, 2007 contains
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51.
(k) For service information identified in this AD, contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie,
Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.
(l) You may review copies of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin
No. 05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007, at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on January 23, 2008.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-1701 Filed 2-4-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
