Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC 120B Helicopters, 27952-27954 [2011-11752]

Download as PDF 27952 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Proposed Rules Dated: May 3, 2011. Karen G. Mills, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2011–11717 Filed 5–12–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025–01–P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 13 CFR Part 121 RIN 3245–AG07 Small Business Size Standards: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of extension of comment period. AGENCY: On March 16, 2011, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA or Agency) proposed to increase small business size standards for 35 industries and one sub-industry in North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 54, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services and one industry in NAICS Sector 81, Other Services. SBA provided a 60-day comment period ending on May 16, 2011. In this notice, SBA is extending the comment period an additional 30 days to June 15, 2011. DATES: The comment period for the proposed rule published on March 16, 2011, at 76 FR 14323, is extended through June 15, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by RIN 3245–AG07 by one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments; or (2) Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: Khem R. Sharma, PhD, Chief, Size Standards Division, 409 Third Street, SW., Mail Code 6530, Washington, DC 20416. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The SBA’s Office of Size Standards at (202) 205–6618 or sizestandards@sba.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the proposed rule (76 FR 14323), SBA sought public comment on whether the proposed increases to size standards are appropriate given the economic characteristics of industries. Based on its analysis of industry and Federal procurement data and the use of a common size standard, for some industries SBA proposed to increase the size standards by more than three times their current levels (e.g., Engineering, Architectural and Related Services), while for some other industries proposed increases are more modest WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:16 May 12, 2011 Jkt 223001 (e.g., Computer System Designs and Related Services). SBA also sought public feedback on a number of policy issues regarding its size standards methodology, such as whether SBA’s proposal to apply eight fixed size standards levels is appropriate to simplify size standards and whether SBA should adopt a common size standards for related industries although the analysis might support a different size standard for each industry. As of May 9, 2011, SBA has received over 210 comments to the proposed rule which are posted on https:// www.regulations.gov. Some comments support SBA’s proposed increases, some feel that proposed increases are too large, and others believe that proposed increases are too small. Given the impact the proposed changes might have on affected businesses and the lack of consensus in the comments received to date, SBA believes that the Agency and the affected industries will benefit from more public input before it finalizes any changes. Therefore, SBA is extending the comment period to June 15, 2011. This will also give more time to affected businesses and interested parties to review the proposed changes and prepare accurate, constructive and convincing comments to the proposed rule. Dated: May 9, 2011. Joseph Jordan, Associate Administrator for Government Contracting and Business Development. [FR Doc. 2011–11707 Filed 5–12–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0448; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–51–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC 120B Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France Model EC 120B helicopters. This proposed AD would require modifying the pilot cyclic control friction device by replacing a certain thrust washer with two thrust washers. This proposed AD is prompted by an incident in which the pilot SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 encountered a sudden restriction of the cyclic control movement during flight. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent jamming of a pilot cyclic control stick and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 12, 2011. 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, 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, Texas 75053–4005, telephone (972) 641–3460, fax (972) 641–3527. You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5130, fax (817) 222–5961. 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–2011–0448, Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–51–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:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each E:\FR\FM\13MYP1.SGM 13MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Proposed Rules 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 The Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile France (DGAC), which is the aviation authority for France, has issued French AD No. F–2005–175, dated October 26, 2005, on behalf of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Airworthiness Authority of the State of Design for the affected helicopters, to correct an unsafe condition for the Eurocopter France Model EC 120B helicopters. WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS Related Service Information Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 67A011, Revision 1, dated October 7, 2005 (ASB), which specifies a modification to preclude the risk that the pilot cyclic control stick will jam. The modification consists of replacing the existing single-piece thrust washer, part number (P/N) C671A1006201, with two thrust washers, P/N C671A1018201 and P/N C671A1019201. The DGAC classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD No. F–2005– 175, dated October 26, 2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. 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, the DGAC, on behalf of the EASA, their technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the DGAC AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information provided VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:16 May 12, 2011 Jkt 223001 by the DGAC 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 replacing a single-piece thrust washer, P/N C671A1006201, with two thrust washers, P/N C671A1018201 and P/N C671A1019201, to prevent the jamming of the pilot cyclic control stick. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the DGAC AD The DGAC AD requires compliance with the ASB no later than December 31, 2005. Our proposed AD would require compliance within 30 days after the effective date of the AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 114 helicopters of U.S. registry and the proposed actions would take approximately 3 work hours per helicopter to accomplish at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $50 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $34,770 for the entire fleet, or $305 per helicopter, to replace the single thrust washer with two thrust washers. 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 an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. See the AD docket to examine the 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 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 27953 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA–2011– 0448; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW– 51–AD. Applicability: Model EC 120B helicopters, serial numbers up to and including 1385, with a thrust washer, part number (P/N) C671A1006201, installed on the pilot cyclic control stick friction device; and a pilot cyclic stick, P/N C671A1007101, P/N C671A1007102, or C671A1003102, installed, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required within 30 days, unless accomplished previously. To prevent jamming of a pilot cyclic control stick and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Remove the pilot cyclic control stick; replace the thrust washer, P/N C671A1006201, with two thrust washers, P/ N C671A1018201 and P/N C671A1019201; reinstall the pilot cyclic control stick; and perform a functional test of the cyclic control. (b) 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, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, ASW–111, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, E:\FR\FM\13MYP1.SGM 13MYP1 27954 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Proposed Rules Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5130, fax (817) 222–5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 2700: Flight Control System. Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile (France) AD No. F–2005–175, dated October 26, 2005, and Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 67A011, Revision 1, dated October 7, 2005 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 27, 2011. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–11752 Filed 5–12–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0454; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–54–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA–365C, SA–365C1, SA–365C2, SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS– 365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA–366G1 Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model 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 the manufacturer has received some reports of deterioration and two reports of failure of Starflex star arm ends. These deteriorations generated high-amplitude vibrations in flight requiring precautionary landings. They state these deteriorations are due to the strong effect of temperature on the strength of the bush-to-Starflex star arm end attachment. Consequently, the MCAI AD requires modification of the frequency adapters and the frequency adapter bushes to improve the ventilation in the area on the star arm end. This proposed AD is intended to require modifying the main rotor frequency adapters to reduce the temperature in the area, to prevent WReier-Aviles on DSKGBLS3C1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:16 May 12, 2011 Jkt 223001 failure of the star arm end, severe vibration, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 13, 2011. 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, Texas 75053–4005, telephone (800) 232–0323, fax (972) 641–3710 or at https:// www.eurocopter.com. 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 proposed 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: 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: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2011–0454; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–54–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 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Emergency AD (EAD) No. 2006–0362–E, dated November 30, 2006, to correct an unsafe condition for the specified Eurocopter model helicopters. The MCAI AD states: ‘‘This Emergency Airworthiness Directive is issued following some reports of deterioration and two reports of failure of Starflex star arm ends. These deteriorations generated high-amplitude vibrations in flight, compelling the pilot to carry out a precautionary landing, in each of these cases. The failure of the Starflex star arm end could make it impossible to control the helicopter. These deteriorations are due to the strong effect of temperature on the strength of the bush-to-Starflex star arm end attachment. Consequently, this EAD requires modification (MOD 0762C39) of the frequency adapters and the frequency adapter bushes, in order to improve the ventilation in the area on the star arm end, on helicopters operated in hot climatic conditions and/ or tropical and damp atmosphere.’’ You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI AD and service information in the AD docket. Related Service Information ECF has issued one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin, dated November 23, 2006, with four different numbers: No. 62.00.24 is for the civil Model SA– 365N, AS–365N1, AS–365N2, and AS– 365 N3; No. 62.14 is for the civil Model SA–366G1; No. 65.45 is for the Model SA–365C, C1, and C2; and No. 62.00.10 is for the non-FAA type certificated military Model 565 helicopters. 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 products 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 informed us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI E:\FR\FM\13MYP1.SGM 13MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27952-27954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11752]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0448; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-51-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC 120B 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
specified Eurocopter France Model EC 120B helicopters. This proposed AD 
would require modifying the pilot cyclic control friction device by 
replacing a certain thrust washer with two thrust washers. This 
proposed AD is prompted by an incident in which the pilot encountered a 
sudden restriction of the cyclic control movement during flight. The 
actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent jamming 
of a pilot cyclic control stick and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 12, 2011.

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, 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, 
Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.
    You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket 
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 
222-5961.

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-2011-0448, 
Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-51-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://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each

[[Page 27953]]

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

    The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile France (DGAC), which is 
the aviation authority for France, has issued French AD No. F-2005-175, 
dated October 26, 2005, on behalf of the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA), the Airworthiness Authority of the State of Design for 
the affected helicopters, to correct an unsafe condition for the 
Eurocopter France Model EC 120B helicopters.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 67A011, Revision 
1, dated October 7, 2005 (ASB), which specifies a modification to 
preclude the risk that the pilot cyclic control stick will jam. The 
modification consists of replacing the existing single-piece thrust 
washer, part number (P/N) C671A1006201, with two thrust washers, P/N 
C671A1018201 and P/N C671A1019201. The DGAC classified this alert 
service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD No. F-2005-175, dated 
October 26, 2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
helicopters.

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, the DGAC, on behalf of the EASA, their 
technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition 
described in the DGAC AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated 
all information provided by the DGAC 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 replacing a 
single-piece thrust washer, P/N C671A1006201, with two thrust washers, 
P/N C671A1018201 and P/N C671A1019201, to prevent the jamming of the 
pilot cyclic control stick.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the DGAC AD

    The DGAC AD requires compliance with the ASB no later than December 
31, 2005. Our proposed AD would require compliance within 30 days after 
the effective date of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 114 helicopters of 
U.S. registry and the proposed actions would take approximately 3 work 
hours per helicopter to accomplish at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $50 per helicopter. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $34,770 for the entire fleet, or 
$305 per helicopter, to replace the single thrust washer with two 
thrust washers.

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 an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD. See the AD docket to examine the 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 
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, 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:

Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA-2011-0448; Directorate Identifier 
2007-SW-51-AD.

    Applicability: Model EC 120B helicopters, serial numbers up to 
and including 1385, with a thrust washer, part number (P/N) 
C671A1006201, installed on the pilot cyclic control stick friction 
device; and a pilot cyclic stick, P/N C671A1007101, P/N 
C671A1007102, or C671A1003102, installed, certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required within 30 days, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent jamming of a pilot cyclic control stick and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Remove the pilot cyclic control stick; replace the thrust 
washer, P/N C671A1006201, with two thrust washers, P/N C671A1018201 
and P/N C671A1019201; reinstall the pilot cyclic control stick; and 
perform a functional test of the cyclic control.
    (b) 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, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, ASW-111, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth,

[[Page 27954]]

Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, for 
information about previously approved alternative methods of 
compliance.
    (c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 2700: 
Flight Control System.

    Note:  The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale 
de l'Aviation Civile (France) AD No. F-2005-175, dated October 26, 
2005, and Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 67A011, Revision 1, 
dated October 7, 2005


    .Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 27, 2011.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-11752 Filed 5-12-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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