Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC130 B4 Helicopters, 13076-13078 [E8-4464]

Download as PDF 13076 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. described previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 68 helicopters of U.S. registry. Modifying and testing the overheat sensing circuit wiring will take about 1 work hour per helicopter at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $5440. I Regulatory Findings I We have 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 that the 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 AD. See the AD docket to examine the economic evaluation. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:40 Mar 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: I 2008–05–16 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39–15410; Docket No. FAA–2007–28228; Directorate Identifier 2006–SW–08–AD. Applicability: Model EC130 B4 helicopters not modified per MOD 073572, with the battery in either the right-hand baggage compartment or the tailboom, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required within 110 hours time-in-service, unless accomplished previously. To correct the connection of the thermal switch to the cockpit indicator light, to notify the flight crew of an overheated battery, and to prevent a thermal runaway of the battery, an in-flight fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following: (a) Modify the wiring of the battery overheat sensing circuit and test the battery overheat sensing indicator light by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1. or 2.B.2., depending on the location of the battery, of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 24A001, dated December 20, 2005. (b) Modifying and testing the battery overheat sensing circuit by following paragraph (a) of this AD is terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (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 Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Carroll Wright, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193–0111, telephone (817) 222–5120, fax (817) 222– 5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (d) Modifying the wiring of the battery overheat sensing circuit and testing the battery overheat sensing indicator light shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 24A001, dated December 20, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Grand Prairie, Texas 75053–4005, telephone (972) 641–3460, fax (972) 641–3527. Copies may be inspected 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/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 16, 2008. Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L’Aviation Civile (France) AD No. F–2006–010, dated January 4, 2006. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 26, 2008. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–4462 Filed 3–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0056; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–06–AD; Amendment 39– 15409; AD 2008–05–15] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC130 B4 Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France Model EC130 B4 helicopters. This 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 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 following the discovery of several cases of loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft. In one case, this loosening of rivets was associated with a crack in the tube which started from a loosened-rivet hole. These occurrences can lead to failure of the tail rotor drive center section shaft. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition caused by cracks and E:\FR\FM\12MRR1.SGM 12MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange attachment of the tail rotor and the unsafe condition caused by the out-ofperpendicularity of the No. 1 bearing. DATES: This AD becomes effective on April 16, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 16, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in Room W12– 140, Docket Operations Office, on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You may get the service information identified in this AD from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053–4005, telephone (972) 641–3460, fax (972) 641–3527. 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 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. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Eurocopter France Model EC130B3 helicopters. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 19, 2007 (72 FR 59229). That NPRM proposed to correct the unsafe conditions for the specified model helicopter. The MCAI states: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:40 Mar 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following the discovery of several cases of loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft. In one case, this loosening of rivets was associated with a crack in the tube which started from a loosened-rivet hole. These occurrences can lead to failure of the tail rotor drive center section shaft. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 68 helicopters of U.S. registry and that it will take about 1 work-hour per helicopter to determine if there are any cracks or loosened rivets in the tube-toflange attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft and to determine if the No. 1 bearing is out-ofperpendicularity. Also, we estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per helicopter to remove and replace any nonconforming parts. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $15,007 per helicopter if replacing a tail rotor drive center section shaft is necessary. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost to inspect the fleet of helicopters to be $5,440. Assuming 3 helicopters are found to have nonconforming parts, we estimate the costs to replace these parts to be $45,981, resulting in the total cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $51,421. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 13077 products identified in this rulemaking action. 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. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket 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 the NPRM, 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. 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 2008–05–15 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39–15409. Docket No. FAA–2007–0056; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–06–AD. E:\FR\FM\12MRR1.SGM 12MRR1 13078 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 49 / Wednesday, March 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations 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. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on April 16, 2008. Other Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model EC130 B4 helicopters, with a tail rotor drive center section shaft, part number (P/N) 350A340202; and bearing, P/N 593404, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following the discovery of several cases of loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft. In one case, this loosening of rivets was associated with a crack in the tube which started from a loosened-rivet hole. These occurrences can lead to failure of the tail rotor drive center section shaft. Actions and Compliance (e) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs first, unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Inspect for cracks or loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft and inspect the perpendicularity of bearing No. 1 in compliance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 65A002, dated November 16, 2005 (ASB). (2) If a crack or loosened rivet is found, replace the tail rotor drive center section shaft before further flight. (3) If the out-of perpendicularity of the bearing is more than 0.1 mm, apply the corrective procedure described in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., of the ASB. Related Information (i) MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive No. F–2005– 190, Revision A, dated November 23, 2005, contains related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 65A002, dated November 16, 2005, 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 American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053–4005, telephone (972) 641–3460, fax (972) 641–3527. (3) You may review copies 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 February 14, 2008. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–4464 Filed 3–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (f) None. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES Subject (g) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 65, Tail rotor drive—tail rotor drive shaft. Federal Aviation Administration Other Information (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 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 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28665; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–081–AD; Amendment 39–15416; AD 2008–06–04] VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:40 Mar 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 and A300–600 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: Three cases of outer deflector panel found detached or broken during ground inspection have been reported to Airbus. * * * [A]n operator has also reported a missing portion of hinge on one panel. * * * Mishandling or failure of the small portion of hinge located inboard of the affected deflector panel is suspected to be the main cause of the deflector damage. This can cause misalignment of the deflector panel followed by hinge pin migration and possible further damages to the deflector on flap retraction. If not corrected, such situation could lead to the loss of deflector panel and injured people on the ground. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective April 16, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 16, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1622; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2007 (72 FR 37477). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Three cases of outer deflector panel found detached or broken during ground inspection have been reported by operators to Airbus. The affected deflector panel is the most outboard of the two outer deflectors. In addition, an operator has also reported a missing portion of hinge on one panel. The missing portion of hinge is held to the structure through one Camloc fastener. Mishandling or failure of the small portion of hinge located inboard of the affected deflector panel is suspected to be the main cause of the deflector damage. E:\FR\FM\12MRR1.SGM 12MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13076-13078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4464]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0056; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-06-AD; 
Amendment 39-15409; AD 2008-05-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC130 B4 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter France Model EC130 B4 helicopters. This 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 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 following the 
discovery of several cases of loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange 
attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft.
    In one case, this loosening of rivets was associated with a 
crack in the tube which started from a loosened-rivet hole.
    These occurrences can lead to failure of the tail rotor drive 
center section shaft.

    We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition caused by 
cracks and

[[Page 13077]]

loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange attachment of the tail rotor and 
the unsafe condition caused by the out-of-perpendicularity of the No. 1 
bearing.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on April 16, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 16, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in Room W12-140, Docket Operations Office, on 
the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    You may get the service information identified in this AD from 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 
75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.

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 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

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Eurocopter France Model 
EC130B3 helicopters. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
October 19, 2007 (72 FR 59229). That NPRM proposed to correct the 
unsafe conditions for the specified model helicopter. The MCAI states:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following the 
discovery of several cases of loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange 
attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft.
    In one case, this loosening of rivets was associated with a 
crack in the tube which started from a loosened-rivet hole.
    These occurrences can lead to failure of the tail rotor drive 
center section shaft.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public. We reviewed the available data and determined 
that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as 
proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 68 helicopters of U.S. 
registry and that it will take about 1 work-hour per helicopter to 
determine if there are any cracks or loosened rivets in the tube-to-
flange attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft and to 
determine if the No. 1 bearing is out-of-perpendicularity. Also, we 
estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per helicopter to remove 
and replace any nonconforming parts. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts will cost about $15,007 per helicopter if 
replacing a tail rotor drive center section shaft is necessary. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the cost to inspect the fleet of 
helicopters to be $5,440. Assuming 3 helicopters are found to have 
nonconforming parts, we estimate the costs to replace these parts to be 
$45,981, resulting in the total cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be 
$51,421.

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 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket 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 the NPRM, 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.

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:

2008-05-15 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-15409. Docket No. FAA-
2007-0056; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-06-AD.

[[Page 13078]]

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on April 
16, 2008.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model EC130 B4 helicopters, with a tail 
rotor drive center section shaft, part number (P/N) 350A340202; and 
bearing, P/N 593404, certificated in any category.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued following the 
discovery of several cases of loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange 
attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft.
    In one case, this loosening of rivets was associated with a 
crack in the tube which started from a loosened-rivet hole.
    These occurrences can lead to failure of the tail rotor drive 
center section shaft.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever 
occurs first, unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Inspect for cracks or loosened rivets in the tube-to-flange 
attachment of the tail rotor drive center section shaft and inspect 
the perpendicularity of bearing No. 1 in compliance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., of Eurocopter Alert 
Service Bulletin No. 65A002, dated November 16, 2005 (ASB).
    (2) If a crack or loosened rivet is found, replace the tail 
rotor drive center section shaft before further flight.
    (3) If the out-of perpendicularity of the bearing is more than 
0.1 mm, apply the corrective procedure described in the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., of the ASB.

Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI

    (f) None.

Subject

    (g) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 65, Tail 
rotor drive--tail rotor drive shaft.

Other Information

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness 
Directive No. F-2005-190, Revision A, dated November 23, 2005, 
contains related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert 
Service Bulletin No. 65A002, dated November 16, 2005, 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 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, 
Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.
    (3) You may review copies 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 February 14, 2008.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-4464 Filed 3-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.