Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1; AS 355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP Helicopters, 22508-22510 [2010-9006]
Download as PDF
22508
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 82 / Thursday, April 29, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
Service Bulletin 670BA–27–042, Revision C,
dated December 10, 2009.
(2) Incorporation of Bombardier Service
Bulletin 670BA–27–042, dated October 14,
2008; or Revision A, dated January 8, 2009;
before the effective date of this AD, is
considered acceptable for compliance with
this AD only if Bombardier Repair
Engineering Order (REO) 670–27–31–001,
dated January 12, 2009; or Bombardier
Service Non-Incorporated Engineering Order
(SNIEO) S01 or S02 from Bombardier Kit
Drawing KBA670–93702, Revision C, dated
January 28, 2009; is incorporated at the same
time. Incorporation of Bombardier Service
Bulletin 670BA–27–042, Revision B, dated
June 2, 2009, before the effective date of this
AD, is considered acceptable for compliance
with the corresponding actions in this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI
and/or service information as follows: No
differences.
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with RULES
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, ANE–170, 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:
Program Manager, Continuing Operational
Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York
11590; telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516–
794–5531. Before using any approved AMOC
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your principal maintenance inspector
(PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI),
as appropriate, or lacking a principal
inspector, your local Flight Standards District
Office.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). 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
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to Canadian Airworthiness
Directive CF–2009–28, dated June 29, 2009;
and Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–27–
042, Revision C, dated December 10, 2009;
for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Bombardier Service
Bulletin 670BA–27–042, Revision C, dated
December 10, 2009, to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise.
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(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
ˆ
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´
Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514–
855–7401; e-mail
thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://
www.bombardier.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
425–227–1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the
service information that is incorporated by
reference 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15,
2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–9522 Filed 4–28–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–0356; Directorate
Identifier 2009–SW–72–AD; Amendment 39–
16266; AD 2010–09–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3,
C, D, and D1; AS 355E, F, F1, F2, N,
and NP 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 the
specified Eurocopter France
(Eurocopter) model helicopters. This 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
was issued following the discovery of a
potential risk of an untimely squib firing
that would cut the hoist cable. A short
circuit in the hoist motor brush power
supply wiring resulting in an
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uncommanded squib firing, which cuts
the hoist cable, constitutes an unsafe
condition.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on
May 14, 2010.
The incorporation by reference of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
25.00.85 and No. 25.00.95, both dated
November 16, 2005, is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of
May 14, 2010.
We must receive comments on this
AD by June 28, 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 AD from American
Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053–4005,
telephone (972) 641–3460, fax (972)
641–3527.
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:
George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Safety Management Group, Fort Worth,
Texas 76193–0112, telephone (817)
222–5114, fax (817) 222–5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA
AD No. 2006–0164, dated June 9, 2006,
to correct an unsafe condition for these
French certificated products. The MCAI
AD states: ‘‘This AD is issued following
the discovery of a potential risk of
E:\FR\FM\29APR1.SGM
29APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 82 / Thursday, April 29, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
untimely squib firing, resulting in the
cable being cut.’’ A short circuit in the
hoist motor brush power supply wiring
resulting in an uncommanded squib
firing, which cuts the hoist cable,
constitutes an unsafe condition. You
may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI AD and service
information in the AD docket.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service
Bulletin Nos. 25.00.85 and 25.00.95,
both dated November 16, 2005. The
actions described in the MCAI AD are
intended to correct the same unsafe
condition as that identified in the
service information.
FAA’s Evaluation and Unsafe Condition
Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of France and
are 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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and
determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other
products of these same type designs.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI AD
This AD differs from the MCAI AD in
that it:
• Does not include the Model BB
helicopters but does include Model
AS350C, D1 and AS 355 NP helicopters;
• Does not require the actions
specified in the Compliance section,
paragraph 1 of the MCAI AD;
• Does not address spares; and
• Requires compliance before the
next hoist operation instead of within
30 days.
These differences are highlighted in
the ‘‘Differences Between This AD and
MCAI AD’’ section of this AD.
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–2010–0356;
Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–72–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.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
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.
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
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
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
27 helicopters of U.S. registry and that
it will take about 2 work hours to
modify the hoist squib wiring. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
cost to the fleet of helicopters to be
$4,590.
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with RULES
rule because of the potential of the
untimely firing of a cable cutter squib
on Goodrich electric hoists resulting in
the unintended cutting of a cable and
dropping the hoist seat and occupant.
Therefore, we determined that notice
and opportunity for public comment
before issuing this AD are impracticable
and that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in fewer than
30 days.
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22509
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.
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:
■
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
2010–09–01 Eurocopter France:
Amendment 39–16266. Docket No.
FAA–2010–0356; Directorate Identifier
2009–SW–72–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective on May 14, 2010.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model AS350B, BA,
B1, B2, B3, C, D and D1; and AS 355E, F, F1,
F2, N, and NP helicopters with a Goodrich
Electric hoist, part number (P/N) 76370–
XXX, which has not been modified per
Modification (MOD) 073318 and with a hoist
motor other than an AUXILEC, installed,
certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continued
airworthiness (MCAI) AD was issued
following the discovery of a potential risk of
an untimely squib firing that would cut the
hoist cable. A short circuit in the hoist motor
brush power supply wiring resulting in an
uncommanded squib firing, which cuts the
hoist cable, constitutes an unsafe condition.
E:\FR\FM\29APR1.SGM
29APR1
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 82 / Thursday, April 29, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
Actions and Compliance
(e) Before the next hoist operation, unless
already accomplished, disconnect the ground
wire for the hoist squib wiring and test the
hoist system to assure that the squib can be
electrically fired (MOD 073318) by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph
2.B.1. through 2.B.4., of Eurocopter Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 25.00.95, for the
AS350 model helicopters or ASB No.
25.00.85, for the AS355 model helicopters,
both dated November 16, 2005, as
appropriate for your model helicopter.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
AD
(f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD in
that it:
(1) Does not include the Model BB
helicopters but does include the Model
AS350C and D1 and Model AS355NP
helicopters;
(2) Does not require the actions specified
in the Compliance section, paragraph 1 of the
MCAI AD;
(3) Does not address spares; and
(4) Requires compliance before the next
hoist operation instead of within 30 days.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Other Information
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, ATTN: George Schwab,
Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Fort Worth, Texas 76193–0112, telephone
(817) 222–5114, fax (817) 222–5961, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested, using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(h) Special Flight Permits: Special flight
permits may be issued under 14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a
location where the requirements of this AD
can be done provided that the hoist is not
used.
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France (ECF) Model EC120B
Helicopters
Related Information
(i) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information (EASA) Airworthiness Directive
No. 2006–0164, dated June 9, 2006, contains
related information.
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with RULES
Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC)
Code
(j) The JASC Code is 25: Equipment/
Furnishings.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the specified portions of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
25.00.95 or No. 25.00.85, both dated
November 16, 2005, to do the actions
required.
(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 the 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 of the service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:14 Apr 28, 2010
Jkt 220001
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 15,
2010.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–9006 Filed 4–28–10; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–0410; Directorate
Identifier 2010–SW–024–AD; Amendment
39–16265; AD 2010–05–51]
RIN 2120–AA64
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
SUMMARY: This document publishes in
the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2010–05–51, which was sent previously
to all known U.S. owners and operators
of ECF Model EC120B helicopters by
individual letters. This AD requires, at
specified intervals, inspecting the main
rotor head rotor hub (rotor hub) for a
crack. If you find scoring, paint flaking
or left-over identification plate
adhesive, the AD requires sanding the
area until the primer coat becomes
visible and inspecting the rotor hub for
a crack. If you find a crack, the AD
requires, before further flight, replacing
the rotor hub with an airworthy rotor
hub. This amendment is prompted by 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
ECF has been informed of an emergency
landing due to excessive vibrations
originating from the main rotor. After an
investigation, it was determined that the
main rotor head rotor hub (rotor hub)
had failed in the attachment area of one
of the three drag damper fittings. The
actions specified by the AD are intended
to prevent failure of a hub, excessive
vibrations, loss of a main rotor blade,
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Fmt 4700
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and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
DATES: Effective May 14, 2010, to all
persons except those persons to whom
it was made immediately effective by
Emergency AD (EAD) 2010–05–51,
issued on February 24, 2010, which
contained the requirements of this
amendment.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of May 14,
2010.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules
Docket must be received on or before
June 28, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
AD:
• 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 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 docket that contains the
AD, any comments, and other
information 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 Docket
Operations office (telephone (800) 647–
5527) is located in Room W12–140 on
the ground floor of the West Building at
the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary
Roach, ASW–111, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601
Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas
76137, telephone (817) 222–5130, fax
(817) 222–5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
February 24, 2010, the FAA issued EAD
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 82 (Thursday, April 29, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22508-22510]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9006]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0356; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-72-AD;
Amendment 39-16266; AD 2010-09-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1,
B2, B3, C, D, and D1; AS 355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP 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 the
specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters. This 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 was issued following the discovery of a potential risk of an
untimely squib firing that would cut the hoist cable. A short circuit
in the hoist motor brush power supply wiring resulting in an
uncommanded squib firing, which cuts the hoist cable, constitutes an
unsafe condition.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on May 14, 2010.
The incorporation by reference of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin
No. 25.00.85 and No. 25.00.95, both dated November 16, 2005, is
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 14, 2010.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 28, 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 AD from
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas
75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.
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: George Schwab, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Fort
Worth, Texas 76193-0112, telephone (817) 222-5114, fax (817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA AD No. 2006-0164, dated June 9,
2006, to correct an unsafe condition for these French certificated
products. The MCAI AD states: ``This AD is issued following the
discovery of a potential risk of
[[Page 22509]]
untimely squib firing, resulting in the cable being cut.'' A short
circuit in the hoist motor brush power supply wiring resulting in an
uncommanded squib firing, which cuts the hoist cable, constitutes an
unsafe condition. You may obtain further information by examining the
MCAI AD and service information in the AD docket.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin Nos. 25.00.85 and
25.00.95, both dated November 16, 2005. The actions described in the
MCAI AD are intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that
identified in the service information.
FAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
France and are 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
issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of these same type designs.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD
This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that it:
Does not include the Model BB helicopters but does include
Model AS350C, D1 and AS 355 NP helicopters;
Does not require the actions specified in the Compliance
section, paragraph 1 of the MCAI AD;
Does not address spares; and
Requires compliance before the next hoist operation
instead of within 30 days.
These differences are highlighted in the ``Differences Between This
AD and MCAI AD'' section of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 27 helicopters of U.S.
registry and that it will take about 2 work hours to modify the hoist
squib wiring. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost to the fleet of helicopters to be
$4,590.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of
the potential of the untimely firing of a cable cutter squib on
Goodrich electric hoists resulting in the unintended cutting of a cable
and dropping the hoist seat and occupant. Therefore, we determined that
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in fewer 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-2010-0356; Directorate
Identifier 2009-SW-72-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.
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.
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:
2010-09-01 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-16266. Docket No. FAA-
2010-0356; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-72-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on May
14, 2010.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D and
D1; and AS 355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP helicopters with a Goodrich
Electric hoist, part number (P/N) 76370-XXX, which has not been
modified per Modification (MOD) 073318 and with a hoist motor other
than an AUXILEC, installed, certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continued airworthiness (MCAI) AD was issued
following the discovery of a potential risk of an untimely squib
firing that would cut the hoist cable. A short circuit in the hoist
motor brush power supply wiring resulting in an uncommanded squib
firing, which cuts the hoist cable, constitutes an unsafe condition.
[[Page 22510]]
Actions and Compliance
(e) Before the next hoist operation, unless already
accomplished, disconnect the ground wire for the hoist squib wiring
and test the hoist system to assure that the squib can be
electrically fired (MOD 073318) by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Paragraph 2.B.1. through 2.B.4., of Eurocopter Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 25.00.95, for the AS350 model helicopters
or ASB No. 25.00.85, for the AS355 model helicopters, both dated
November 16, 2005, as appropriate for your model helicopter.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD
(f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that it:
(1) Does not include the Model BB helicopters but does include
the Model AS350C and D1 and Model AS355NP helicopters;
(2) Does not require the actions specified in the Compliance
section, paragraph 1 of the MCAI AD;
(3) Does not address spares; and
(4) Requires compliance before the next hoist operation instead
of within 30 days.
Other Information
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: George Schwab, Aerospace
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0112,
telephone (817) 222-5114, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19.
(h) Special Flight Permits: Special flight permits may be issued
under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a
location where the requirements of this AD can be done provided that
the hoist is not used.
Related Information
(i) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive No. 2006-0164, dated June 9, 2006, contains
related information.
Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code
(j) The JASC Code is 25: Equipment/Furnishings.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Alert
Service Bulletin No. 25.00.95 or No. 25.00.85, both dated November
16, 2005, to do the actions required.
(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 the 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 of the service information 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 March 15, 2010.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-9006 Filed 4-28-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P