Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N Helicopters, 65492-65493 [E9-29431]
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65492
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 74, No. 236
Thursday, December 10, 2009
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2009–1090; Directorate
Identifier 2009–SW–31–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N
Helicopters
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
and AS355N helicopters. This proposed
AD results from a mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) AD
issued by the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Community. The MCAI AD
states that a metallurgical nonconformity was discovered on a flange
of the forward shaft section of the tail
rotor drive shaft (drive shaft). The MCAI
AD also states that stress analysis has
shown that this non-conformity can
significantly reduce the strength of the
drive shaft and thereby its service life.
The proposed actions are intended to
remove non-conforming drive shafts
from service and prevent failure of the
drive shaft and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 11, 2010.
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.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
VerDate Nov<24>2008
17:17 Dec 09, 2009
Jkt 220001
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.
You may get the service information
identified in this proposed AD from
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053–
4005, telephone (800) 232–0323, fax
(972) 641–3710, or at https://
www.eurocopter.com.
Examining the 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 proposed AD, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is
stated in the ADDRESSES section of this
proposal. 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 Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137,
telephone (817) 222–5123, fax (817)
222–5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
data, views, or arguments about this
proposed AD. Send your comments to
an address listed in the ADDRESSES
section of this proposal. Include
‘‘Docket No. FAA–2009–1090;
Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–31–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
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
EASA has issued AD 2006–0100,
dated April 24, 2006, to correct an
unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
and AS355N helicopters with a drive
shaft forward shaft section, part number
355A 34–1090–00, and a serial number
from M858 (inclusive) up to M873
(inclusive). EASA advises of the
discovery of a non-conformity in the
metal of a flange of the drive shaft of an
AS355 helicopter. EASA also advises
that stress analysis has shown that this
non-conformity may significantly
reduce the strength and the service life
of this component. The proposed AD is
intended to remove non-conforming
drive shafts from service and prevent
failure of the drive shaft and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter. You
may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI AD and any
related service information in the AD
docket.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service
Bulletin No. 01.00.51, Revision 1, dated
February 9, 2006. The actions described
in the MCAI AD are intended to correct
the unsafe condition identified in the
service information.
FAA’s Evaluation and Unsafe Condition
Determination
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of France and is
approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with France, EASA, their
technical agent, has notified us of the
unsafe condition described in the MCAI
AD. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all information provided
by EASA and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design. This proposed AD would
require removing any non-conforming
drive shaft and replacing it with an
airworthy drive shaft that is not
included in the applicability of the AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI AD
This AD would differ from the MCAI
AD as follows:
E:\FR\FM\10DEP1.SGM
10DEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 236 / Thursday, December 10, 2009 / Proposed Rules
• We refer to the compliance time as
‘‘hours time-in-service’’ rather than
‘‘flying hours’’ and
• We do not require returning spares
to the manufacturer.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
Costs of Compliance
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 96 helicopters of
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it
would take about 2 work-hours per
helicopter to do the proposed actions.
The average labor rate is $80 per workhour. Required parts would cost about
$8,335 per helicopter. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators would
be $815,520, or $8,495 per helicopter,
assuming that the drive shaft is replaced
on each helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
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.
Therefore, I certify this proposed 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.
17:17 Dec 09, 2009
Jkt 220001
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.
§ 39.13
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
product(s) identified in this rulemaking
action.
VerDate Nov<24>2008
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
[Amended]
65493
airworthy drive shaft that is not included in
the applicability of this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
AD
(f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD as
follows:
(1) We refer to the compliance time as
‘‘hours time-in-service’’ rather than ‘‘flying
hours’’ and
(2) We do not require returning spares to
the manufacturer.
Other Information
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, ATTN: Uday Garadi, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Regulations and Guidance
Group, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137,
telephone (817) 222–5123, fax (817) 222–
5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA–2009–
1090; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–
31–AD.
Related Information
(h) European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD No. 2006–0100, dated April 24,
2006, and Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin
No. 01.00.51, Revision 1, dated February 9,
2006, contain related information.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive your comments by
January 11, 2010.
Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC)
Code
(i) JASC Code 6510: Tail rotor drive shaft.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on November
23, 2009.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9–29431 Filed 12–9–09; 8:45 am]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N
helicopters with tail rotor drive shaft forward
shaft section, part number 355A 34–1090–00,
serial number 858 through 873 (inclusive)
with a prefix ‘‘M,’’ certificated in any
category. This AD does not apply to
helicopters manufactured after January 1,
2005.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) AD states
that a metallurgical non-conformity was
discovered on a flange of the forward shaft
section of the tail rotor drive shaft (drive
shaft). The MCAI AD also states that stress
analysis has shown that this non-conformity
can significantly reduce the strength of the
drive shaft and thereby its service life. This
AD is intended to remove non-conforming
drive shafts from service and prevent failure
of the drive shaft and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already accomplished, do the
following:
(1) For any drive shaft that has less than
2,400 hours time-in-service (TIS), on or
before reaching 2,500 hours TIS, remove the
drive shaft and replace it with an airworthy
drive shaft that is not included in the
applicability of this AD.
(2) For any drive shaft with 2,400 or more
hours TIS, within the next 100 hours TIS,
remove the drive shaft and replace it with an
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2009–1158; Directorate
Identifier 2009–CE–063–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS
AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PC–12/47E
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that would
supersede an existing AD. 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
E:\FR\FM\10DEP1.SGM
10DEP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 236 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65492-65493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-29431]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 236 / Thursday, December 10, 2009 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 65492]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-1090; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-31-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
and AS355N helicopters. This proposed AD results from a mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the
Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that a
metallurgical non-conformity was discovered on a flange of the forward
shaft section of the tail rotor drive shaft (drive shaft). The MCAI AD
also states that stress analysis has shown that this non-conformity can
significantly reduce the strength of the drive shaft and thereby its
service life. The proposed actions are intended to remove non-
conforming drive shafts from service and prevent failure of the drive
shaft and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 11,
2010.
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.
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.
You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie,
TX 75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at
https://www.eurocopter.com.
Examining the 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 proposed AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
stated in the ADDRESSES section of this proposal. 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 Guidance Group, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax
(817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this proposal. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-1090;
Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-31-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
EASA has issued AD 2006-0100, dated April 24, 2006, to correct an
unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
and AS355N helicopters with a drive shaft forward shaft section, part
number 355A 34-1090-00, and a serial number from M858 (inclusive) up to
M873 (inclusive). EASA advises of the discovery of a non-conformity in
the metal of a flange of the drive shaft of an AS355 helicopter. EASA
also advises that stress analysis has shown that this non-conformity
may significantly reduce the strength and the service life of this
component. The proposed AD is intended to remove non-conforming drive
shafts from service and prevent failure of the drive shaft and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI AD and any related service
information in the AD docket.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 01.00.51, Revision
1, dated February 9, 2006. The actions described in the MCAI AD are
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the service
information.
FAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of France
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with France, EASA, their technical agent, has
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI AD. We are
proposing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA
and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD
would require removing any non-conforming drive shaft and replacing it
with an airworthy drive shaft that is not included in the applicability
of the AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI AD
This AD would differ from the MCAI AD as follows:
[[Page 65493]]
We refer to the compliance time as ``hours time-in-
service'' rather than ``flying hours'' and
We do not require returning spares to the manufacturer.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 96 helicopters
of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-
hours per helicopter to do the proposed actions. The average labor rate
is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $8,335 per
helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $815,520, or $8,495 per
helicopter, assuming that the drive shaft is replaced on each
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 product(s) 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.
Therefore, I certify this proposed 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 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-2009-1090; Directorate Identifier
2009-SW-31-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive your comments by January 11, 2010.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
and AS355N helicopters with tail rotor drive shaft forward shaft
section, part number 355A 34-1090-00, serial number 858 through 873
(inclusive) with a prefix ``M,'' certificated in any category. This
AD does not apply to helicopters manufactured after January 1, 2005.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD
states that a metallurgical non-conformity was discovered on a
flange of the forward shaft section of the tail rotor drive shaft
(drive shaft). The MCAI AD also states that stress analysis has
shown that this non-conformity can significantly reduce the strength
of the drive shaft and thereby its service life. This AD is intended
to remove non-conforming drive shafts from service and prevent
failure of the drive shaft and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already accomplished, do the following:
(1) For any drive shaft that has less than 2,400 hours time-in-
service (TIS), on or before reaching 2,500 hours TIS, remove the
drive shaft and replace it with an airworthy drive shaft that is not
included in the applicability of this AD.
(2) For any drive shaft with 2,400 or more hours TIS, within the
next 100 hours TIS, remove the drive shaft and replace it with an
airworthy drive shaft that is not included in the applicability of
this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD
(f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD as follows:
(1) We refer to the compliance time as ``hours time-in-service''
rather than ``flying hours'' and
(2) We do not require returning spares to the manufacturer.
Other Information
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Guidance Group, FAA, Rotorcraft
Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone
(817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19.
Related Information
(h) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2006-0100,
dated April 24, 2006, and Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
01.00.51, Revision 1, dated February 9, 2006, contain related
information.
Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code
(i) JASC Code 6510: Tail rotor drive shaft.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on November 23, 2009.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-29431 Filed 12-9-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P