Airworthiness Directives; Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated Model S-64F Helicopters, 56487-56489 [2010-23097]

Download as PDF 56487 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 75, No. 179 Thursday, September 16, 2010 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. FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION 12 CFR Part 614 RIN 3052–AC62 Loan Policies and Operations; Loan Purchases From FDIC Farm Credit Administration. ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of comment period. AGENCY: The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) is reopening the comment period on our proposed rule that would permit Farm Credit System institutions with direct lending authority to purchase from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation loans to farmers, ranchers, producers or harvesters of aquatic products and cooperatives that meet eligibility and scope of financing requirements. We are reopening the comment period, so that interested parties have additional time to provide comments. SUMMARY: You may send comments on or before October 18, 2010. DATES: We offer a variety of methods for you to submit your comments. For accuracy and efficiency reasons, commenters are encouraged to submit comments by e-mail or through the FCA’s Web site. As facsimiles (faxes) are difficult for us to process and achieve compliance with section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, we are no longer accepting comments submitted by fax. Regardless of the method you use, please do not submit your comment multiple times via different methods. FCA requests that comments to the proposed amendment include the reference RIN 3052–AC62. You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • E-mail: Send us an e-mail at regcomm@fca.gov. • FCA Web site: https://www.fca.gov. Select ‘‘Public Commenters,’’ then ‘‘Public Comments,’’ and follow the directions for ‘‘Submitting a Comment.’’ erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 ADDRESSES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 12:40 Sep 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Gary K. Van Meter, Deputy Director, Office of Regulatory Policy, Farm Credit Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, McLean, VA 22102–5090. You may review copies of all comments we receive at our office in McLean, Virginia, or from our Web site at https://www.fca.gov. Once you are in the Web site, select ‘‘Public Commenters,’’ then ‘‘Public Comments,’’ and follow the directions for ‘‘Reading Submitted Public Comments.’’ We will show your comments as submitted but, for technical reasons, we may omit items such as logos and special characters. Identifying information you provide, such as phone numbers and addresses, will be publicly available. However, we will attempt to remove email addresses to help reduce Internet spam. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark L. Johansen, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Regulatory Policy, Farm Credit Administration, McLean, VA 22102–5090, (703) 883–4498, TTY (703) 883–4434, or Mary Alice Donner, Senior Attorney, Office of General Counsel, Farm Credit Administration, McLean, VA 22102–5090, (703) 883–4033, TTY (703) 883–4020. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 18, 2010, FCA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register that would permit Farm Credit System institutions with direct lending authority to purchase from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation loans to farmers, ranchers, producers or harvesters of aquatic products and cooperatives that meet eligibility and scope of financing requirements. See 75 FR 27660. The comment period expired on July 19, 2010. In response to statements by the Independent Community Bankers of America, Minnesota Community Bankers, and other commercial bankers that due to the time needed to review the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 4173) they have not had adequate time to analyze this proposal, and their requests for additional time to comment, the FCA has determined to reopen the comment period to allow an additional 30 days to comment. The FCA supports public PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 involvement and participation in its regulatory process and invites all interested parties to review and provide comments on our proposed rule. Date: September 9, 2010. Roland E. Smith, Secretary, Farm Credit Administration Board. [FR Doc. 2010–23068 Filed 9–15–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6705–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0909; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–026–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Erickson AirCrane Incorporated Model S–64F Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (Erickson Air-Crane) Model S–64F helicopters. The AD would require, at specified intervals, certain inspections of the rotating swashplate assembly (swashplate) for a crack. If a crack is found, this AD would also require, before further flight, replacing the swashplate with an airworthy swashplate. This proposal is prompted by a report from the manufacturer of a swashplate cracking during fatigue testing. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent loss of a swashplate due to a fatigue crack, loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 15, 2010. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed 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, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\16SEP1.SGM 16SEP1 56488 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 179 / Thursday, September 16, 2010 / Proposed Rules 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 Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated, 3100 Willow Springs Road, P.O. Box 3247, Central Point, OR 97502, telephone (541) 664–5544, fax (541) 664–2312. You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket on the Internet at https://regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Michael Kohner, ASW–170, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5170, fax (817) 222–5783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 We invite you to submit any written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address listed under the caption ADDRESSES. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2010–0909, Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–026–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the search function of the docket Web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent or signed the comment. You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78). Examining the Docket You may examine the docket that contains the proposed AD, any comments, and other information 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 12:40 Sep 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 (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. Discussion This document proposes adopting a new AD for Erickson Air-Crane Model S–64F helicopters. The AD would require, at specified intervals, certain visual inspections of the swashplate for a crack. Also, the AD would require, at specified intervals, a fluorescentpenetrant inspection (FPI) of the swashplate for a crack. If a crack is found, this AD would also require, before further flight, replacing the swashplate with an airworthy swashplate. This proposal is prompted by a report from the manufacturer of a swashplate cracking during fatigue testing. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of a swashplate due to a fatigue crack, loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. We have reviewed Erickson Air-Crane Service Bulletin (SB) 64B10–10, Revision 2, dated April 1, 2008 (SB 64B10–10) and SB 64F General-3, Revision C, dated December 12, 2007 (SB 64F General-3). SB 64F General-3 summarizes a listing of the Model S–64F helicopter components, their part number, and the corresponding service bulletins that the manufacturer suggests using when performing the structural inspections of the listed components to maintain the continued airworthiness of the helicopters. Adherence to some or all of these structural limitations may be subsequently required by an AD. SB 64B10–10 listed in SB 64F General-3 and the subject of this proposal describes certain repetitive inspections of the swashplate for a crack to maintain the continued airworthiness of the helicopters. This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design. Therefore, the proposed AD would require the following: • Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, clean and visually inspect the swashplate for a crack. • Within 150 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, clean the swashplate and, using a 10power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect the swashplate for a crack. • Within 1,000 hours TIS since the last FPI and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS, removing the swashplate from the helicopter and PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 conducting an FPI of the swashplate for a crack. • If a crack is found after any inspection, before further flight, replace the swashplate with an airworthy swashplate. We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 7 helicopters of U.S. registry and would take about: • .5 hour for the visual inspection; • 1 hour for the 10-power or higher magnifying glass inspection; • 35 hours for the 1,000-hour FPI; and • 32 hours to replace a swashplate at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $25,000 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $229,145, assuming 40 15-hour visual inspections; 4 150-hour 10-power magnifying glass inspections; 1 1000hour FPI and 1 swashplate replacement for each helicopter for the entire fleet of S–64F helicopters for each year. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. Additionally, this proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a draft economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. See the AD docket to examine the draft economic evaluation. 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 E:\FR\FM\16SEP1.SGM 16SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 179 / Thursday, September 16, 2010 / Proposed Rules 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: for a crack in accordance with ATSM E1417, Type I, Methods A or C. (d) If a crack is found in the swashplate, before further flight, replace the swashplate with an airworthy swashplate. (e) 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 Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Michael Kohner, ASW–170, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5170, fax (817) 222–5783, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (f) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6230: Main Rotor Mast/ Swashplate. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 3, 2010. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–23097 Filed 9–15–10; 8:45 am] PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 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: Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated: Docket No. FAA–2010–0909; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–026–AD. Applicability Model S–64F helicopters, with rotating swashplate assembly (swashplate), part number (P/N) 65104–11001–051, installed, certificated in any category. erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Compliance Required as indicated. To prevent loss of a swashplate due to a fatigue crack, loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following: (a) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, clean and visually inspect the swashplate for a crack in areas A through F as depicted in Figure 1 of Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated Service Bulletin 64B10–10, Revision 2, dated April 1, 2008 (SB). (b) Within 150 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, clean the swashplate and, using a 10-power or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect for a crack in areas A through F as depicted in Figure 1 of the SB. (c) Within 1,000 hours TIS since the last fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS, remove the swashplate from the rotor head, disassemble and remove the paint from the swashplate, and FPI the swashplate VerDate Mar<15>2010 12:40 Sep 15, 2010 Jkt 220001 56489 Send comments to any of the following addresses— • Scott P. Armstrong-Cezar, Industry Operations Specialist, Room 6N–602, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 99 New York Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20226; ATTN: ATF 26A. Written comments must appear in a minimum 12 point size of type (.17 inches), include the commenter’s mailing address, be signed, and may be of any length. • 202–648–9741 (facsimile). • https://www.regulations.gov. Federal eRulemaking portal; follow the instructions for submitting comments. You may also view an electronic version of this advance notice at https://www.regulations.gov. See the Public Participation section at the end of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for instructions and requirements for submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott P. Armstrong-Cezar, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice, 99 New York Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20226; telephone: (202) 648–7119. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: 27 CFR Part 555 I. Background [Docket No. ATF 26A] ATF is responsible for implementing title XI of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, 91 Public Law 452 (‘‘Title XI’’), which added chapter 40 (‘‘Importation, Manufacture, Distribution and Storage of Explosive Materials’’) to title 18 of the United States Code. One of the stated purposes of title XI is to reduce the ‘‘hazard to persons and property arising from misuse and unsafe or insecure storage of explosive materials.’’ Under section 847 of title 18, United States Code, the Attorney General ‘‘may prescribe such rules and regulations as he deems reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.’’ Regulations that implement the provisions of chapter 40 are contained in title 27, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 555 (‘‘Commerce in Explosives’’). The regulations at 27 CFR 555.220 set forth a table of separation distances of ammonium nitrate and blasting agents from explosives or blasting agents followed by six explanatory notes. Note three (3) states that the distances specified in the table ‘‘apply to ammonium nitrate that passes the insensitivity test prescribed in the definition of ammonium nitrate fertilizer issued by the Fertilizer Institute’’ in its ‘‘Definition and Test Procedures for Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer.’’ The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) RIN 1140–AA27 Separation Distances of Ammonium Nitrate and Blasting Agents From Explosives or Blasting Agents (2002R– 226P) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Department of Justice. ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The Department of Justice (Department) intends to amend the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to replace the regulations’ reference to an outdated guidance document. Based upon a petition ATF received, the Department wishes to gather information and comments from the public and industry about possible replacements for this guidance document. SUMMARY: Written comments must be postmarked and electronic comments must be submitted on or before December 15, 2010. Commenters should be aware that the electronic Federal Docket Management System will not accept comments after Midnight Eastern Time on the last day of the comment period. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\16SEP1.SGM 16SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 179 (Thursday, September 16, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56487-56489]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-23097]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0909; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-026-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated Model 
S-64F Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (Erickson Air-Crane) Model S-
64F helicopters. The AD would require, at specified intervals, certain 
inspections of the rotating swashplate assembly (swashplate) for a 
crack. If a crack is found, this AD would also require, before further 
flight, replacing the swashplate with an airworthy swashplate. This 
proposal is prompted by a report from the manufacturer of a swashplate 
cracking during fatigue testing. The actions specified by the proposed 
AD are intended to prevent loss of a swashplate due to a fatigue crack, 
loss of control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 15, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed 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,

[[Page 56488]]

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 Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated, 3100 Willow Springs Road, P.O. 
Box 3247, Central Point, OR 97502, telephone (541) 664-5544, fax (541) 
664-2312.
    You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket 
on the Internet at https://regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Michael 
Kohner, ASW-170, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
Rotorcraft Certification Office, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone 
(817) 222-5170, fax (817) 222-5783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written data, views, or arguments 
regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address listed 
under the caption ADDRESSES. Include the docket number ``FAA-2010-0909, 
Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-026-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the 
search function of the docket Web site, you can find and read the 
comments to any of our dockets, including the name of the individual 
who sent or signed the comment. You may review the DOT's complete 
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the proposed AD, any 
comments, and other information 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.

Discussion

    This document proposes adopting a new AD for Erickson Air-Crane 
Model S-64F helicopters. The AD would require, at specified intervals, 
certain visual inspections of the swashplate for a crack. Also, the AD 
would require, at specified intervals, a fluorescent-penetrant 
inspection (FPI) of the swashplate for a crack. If a crack is found, 
this AD would also require, before further flight, replacing the 
swashplate with an airworthy swashplate. This proposal is prompted by a 
report from the manufacturer of a swashplate cracking during fatigue 
testing. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of a 
swashplate due to a fatigue crack, loss of control of the main rotor 
system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    We have reviewed Erickson Air-Crane Service Bulletin (SB) 64B10-10, 
Revision 2, dated April 1, 2008 (SB 64B10-10) and SB 64F General-3, 
Revision C, dated December 12, 2007 (SB 64F General-3). SB 64F General-
3 summarizes a listing of the Model S-64F helicopter components, their 
part number, and the corresponding service bulletins that the 
manufacturer suggests using when performing the structural inspections 
of the listed components to maintain the continued airworthiness of the 
helicopters. Adherence to some or all of these structural limitations 
may be subsequently required by an AD. SB 64B10-10 listed in SB 64F 
General-3 and the subject of this proposal describes certain repetitive 
inspections of the swashplate for a crack to maintain the continued 
airworthiness of the helicopters.
    This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of the same type design. Therefore, the proposed AD would 
require the following:
     Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, clean and visually inspect the 
swashplate for a crack.
     Within 150 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 150 hours TIS, clean the swashplate and, using a 10-power or 
higher magnifying glass, visually inspect the swashplate for a crack.
     Within 1,000 hours TIS since the last FPI and thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 1,000 hours TIS, removing the swashplate 
from the helicopter and conducting an FPI of the swashplate for a 
crack.
     If a crack is found after any inspection, before further 
flight, replace the swashplate with an airworthy swashplate.
    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 7 helicopters of 
U.S. registry and would take about:
     .5 hour for the visual inspection;
     1 hour for the 10-power or higher magnifying glass 
inspection;
     35 hours for the 1,000-hour FPI; and
     32 hours to replace a swashplate at an average labor rate 
of $85 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $25,000 per 
helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $229,145, assuming 40 15-hour 
visual inspections; 4 150-hour 10-power magnifying glass inspections; 1 
1000-hour FPI and 1 swashplate replacement for each helicopter for the 
entire fleet of S-64F helicopters for each year.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. Additionally, this proposed 
AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a draft economic evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the AD docket to examine the draft 
economic evaluation.

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

[[Page 56489]]

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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated: Docket No. FAA-2010-0909; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-026-AD.

Applicability

    Model S-64F helicopters, with rotating swashplate assembly 
(swashplate), part number (P/N) 65104-11001-051, installed, 
certificated in any category.

Compliance

    Required as indicated.
    To prevent loss of a swashplate due to a fatigue crack, loss of 
control of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter, do the following:
    (a) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished 
previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, 
clean and visually inspect the swashplate for a crack in areas A 
through F as depicted in Figure 1 of Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated 
Service Bulletin 64B10-10, Revision 2, dated April 1, 2008 (SB).
    (b) Within 150 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, clean the 
swashplate and, using a 10-power or higher magnifying glass, 
visually inspect for a crack in areas A through F as depicted in 
Figure 1 of the SB.
    (c) Within 1,000 hours TIS since the last fluorescent-penetrant 
inspection (FPI) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 
hours TIS, remove the swashplate from the rotor head, disassemble 
and remove the paint from the swashplate, and FPI the swashplate for 
a crack in accordance with ATSM E1417, Type I, Methods A or C.
    (d) If a crack is found in the swashplate, before further 
flight, replace the swashplate with an airworthy swashplate.
    (e) 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 Certification Office, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Michael Kohner, ASW-
170, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone 
(817) 222-5170, fax (817) 222-5783, for information about previously 
approved alternative methods of compliance.
    (f) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6230: 
Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 3, 2010.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-23097 Filed 9-15-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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