Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC135 Helicopters, 8722-8724 [2012-3184]

Download as PDF 8722 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 15, 2012 / Rules and Regulations totaling $10 million or less, as of the preceding year-end. Provisions of the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996, 12 U.S.C. 2808(b), amended HMDA to expand the asset-size exemption for depository institutions. The statutory amendment increased the dollar amount of the asset-size exemption threshold by requiring a one-time adjustment of the $10 million figure based on the percentage by which the CPI–W for 1996 exceeded the CPI–W for 1975, and it provided for annual adjustments thereafter based on the annual percentage increase in the CPI–W, rounded to the nearest multiple of one million dollars. The definition of ‘‘financial institution’’ in Regulation C provides that the Bureau will adjust the asset threshold based on the year-to-year change in the average of the CPI–W, not seasonally adjusted, for each twelve month period ending in November, rounded to the nearest million. 12 CFR 1003.2. For 2011, the threshold was $40 million. During the twelve-month period ending in November 2011, the CPI–W increased by 3.43 percent. As a result, the exemption threshold is increased to $41 million. Thus, depository institutions with assets of $41 million or less as of December 31, 2011 are exempt from collecting data in 2012. An institution’s exemption from collecting data in 2012 does not affect its responsibility to report data it was required to collect in 2011. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES Final Rule Under the Administrative Procedure Act, notice and opportunity for public comment are not required if the Bureau finds that notice and public comment are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest. 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). Comment 2(Financial institution)-2 is amended to update the exemption threshold. The amendment in this notice is technical and nondiscretionary, and it merely applies the formula established by Regulation C for determining any adjustments to the exemption threshold. For these reasons, the Bureau has determined that publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking and providing opportunity for public comment are unnecessary. Therefore, the amendment is adopted in final form. List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 1003 Banks, Banking, Credit unions, Mortgages, National banks, Savings associations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:28 Feb 14, 2012 Jkt 226001 Authority and Issuance For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection amends 12 CFR part 1003 as follows: PART 1003—HOME MORTGAGE DISCLOSURE (REGULATION C) 1. The authority citation for part 1003 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 12 U.S.C. 2803, 2804, 2805, 5512, 5581. 2. In Appendix B to part 1003, Supplement I to part 1003, under Section 1003.2—Definitions, Financial institution, paragraph 2 is revised to read as follows: ■ Appendix B to Part 1003—Form and Instructions for Data Collection on Ethnicity, Race, and Sex * * * * * Supplement I to Part 1003—Staff Commentary * * * * * Section 1003.2—Definitions. * * * * * Financial institution. * * * * * 2. Adjustment of exemption threshold for depository institutions. For data collection in 2012, the asset-size exemption threshold is $41 million. Depository institutions with assets at or below $41 million as of December 31, 2011 are exempt from collecting data for 2012. * * * * * Dated: February 3, 2012. Richard Cordray, Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. [FR Doc. 2012–3460 Filed 2–14–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–AM–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0453; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–16–AD; Amendment 39– 16942; AD 2012–03–01] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC135 Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 DATES: Effective March 21, 2012. For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– 0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. 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 U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. ADDRESSES: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5204; email: eric.haight@faa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters. This AD results from SUMMARY: a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the aviation authority of the Federal Republic of Germany, with which we have a bilateral agreement, to identify and correct an unsafe condition. The MCAI AD states that in the past, the FADEC FAIL caution light illuminated on a few EC135 T1 helicopters. It states that this was caused by a discrepancy in the parameters that was generated within the fuel main metering unit and transmitted to the FADEC. This discrepancy led to the display of the FADEC FAIL caution light and ‘‘freezing’’ of the fuel main metering valve at its position, resulting in loss of the automatic engine control in the affected system. With the MCAI AD, a synchronization procedure for pilots, which was already used in the past, is being reintroduced, which prevents the parameter discrepancy arising and thus sustains the automatic engine control. The AD actions are intended to prevent failure of the FADEC to automatically meter fuel, indicated by a FADEC FAIL cockpit caution light, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\15FER1.SGM 15FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 15, 2012 / Rules and Regulations Discussion Costs of Compliance On April 28, 2011, we issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the Eurocopter Deutschland (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2011, at 76 FR 27956. That NPRM proposed to reintroduce a synchronization procedure for pilots to prevent a parameter discrepancy from arising and sustain the automatic engine control. We estimate that this AD will affect about 20 helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about a half work-hour to copy and insert the synchronization procedure into the RFM. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. We estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $850. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM. FAA’s Determination We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design, and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed with the changes described previously and other minor editorial changes. These changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD We use a 50-hour time-in-service (TIS) compliance time rather than before further flight as used in the MCAI AD. Also, the MCAI AD states to follow the ASB and insert pages into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). We did not follow the ASB, which requires the RFM information to be filed in the Section 4, Normal Procedures, of the RFM. To make compliance with the information mandatory, we are requiring that it be inserted into the Section 2, Limitations Section of the RFM. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES Related Service Information ECD has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135–71A–024, dated August 6, 2002 (ASB). The ASB contains copies of special information to be inserted into the RFM for synchronizing fuel control components for sustaining automatic engine control. The ASB specifies making copies of the RFM pages contained in the ASB, cutting them out, and filing them in the RFM. The actions described in the MCAI AD are intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in this service information. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:28 Feb 14, 2012 Jkt 226001 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 that 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); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that a regulatory distinction is required; and 4. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 8723 The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA will amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2012–03–01 Eurocopter Deutschland: Amendment 39–16942. Docket No. FAA–2011–0453; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–16–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model EC135 helicopters with Turbomeca Arrius 2B or 2B1 engines installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a discrepancy generated within the fuel main metering unit and transmitted to the FADEC, which could lead to the display of the FADEC FAIL caution light and ‘‘freezing’’ of the fuel main metering valve at its position. This condition could result in loss of the automatic engine control. (c) Effective Date This AD is effective March 21, 2012. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), either insert the following procedure by making pen-and-ink changes to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) or by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations Section of the RFM. SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR OEI/ AUTOROTATION TRAINING AND APPROACH/LANDING PREPARATION In order to prevent a malfunction, which could lead to a FADEC FAIL indication, the following procedure is mandatory: The procedure shown below must be performed while in a steady flight condition and at a safe altitude: —Before initiation of every approach (with or without landing) —During training of OEI or Autorotation before every switch-over to IDLE CAUTION: DURING THE RESET PROCEDURE DESCRIBED IN THE FOLLOWING, NO INPUTS ARE TO BE MADE TO THE COLLECTIVE LEVER OR TO THE TWIST GRIP FOR MANUAL ENGINE CONTROL, SINCE THIS CAN LEAD TO AN INEFFECTIVE SYNCHRONIZATION. E:\FR\FM\15FER1.SGM 15FER1 8724 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 15, 2012 / Rules and Regulations The reset procedure is identical for each of two systems and is to be applied for both engines, one after the other. Procedure 1. ENG MODE SEL switch—Set from NORM TO MAN After illumination of the ENG MANUAL caution: 2. ENG MODE SEL switch—Set from MAN to NORM: ENG MANUAL caution must go off Repeat procedure for second engine. (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5204, email: eric.haight@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a Part 119 operating certificate or under Part 91, Subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135–71A–024, dated August 6, 2008, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://www.eurocopter.com/ techpub. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (Germany) AD No. 2002–333, dated September 16, 2002. (h) Subject Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code: 7600, Engine Controls. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 27, 2012. Lance T. Gant, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:28 Feb 14, 2012 Jkt 226001 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 18 CFR Part 157 [Docket No. RM81–19–000] Natural Gas Pipelines; Project Cost and Annual Limits February 9, 2012. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) [FR Doc. 2012–3184 Filed 2–14–12; 8:45 am] Effective Date DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Pursuant to the authority delegated by 18 CFR 375.308(x)(1), the Director of the Office of Energy Projects (OEP) computes and publishes the project cost and annual limits for natural gas pipelines blanket construction certificates for each calendar year. DATES: This final rule is effective February 15, 2012 and establishes cost limits applicable from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Foley, Chief, Certificates Branch 1, Division of Pipeline Certificates, (202) 502–8955. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Publication of Project Cost Limits Under Blanket Certificates Docket No. RM81–19–000 Order of the Director, OEP February 9, 2012. Section 157.208(d) of the Commission’s Regulations provides for project cost limits applicable to construction, acquisition, operation and miscellaneous rearrangement of facilities (Table I) authorized under the blanket certificate procedure (Order No. 234, 19 FERC ¶ 61,216). Section 157.215(a) specifies the calendar year dollar limit which may be expended on underground storage testing and development (Table II) authorized under the blanket certificate. Section 157.208(d) requires that the ‘‘limits specified in Tables I and II shall be adjusted each calendar year to reflect the ‘GDP implicit price deflator’ published by the Department of Commerce for the previous calendar year.’’ Pursuant to § 375.308(x)(1) of the Commission’s Regulations, the authority for the publication of such cost limits, as adjusted for inflation, is delegated to the Director of the Office of Energy Projects. The cost limits for calendar year 2012, as published in Table I of § 157.208(d) and Table II of § 157.215(a), are hereby issued. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 This final rule is effective February 15. The provisions of 5 U.S.C. 804 regarding Congressional review of Final Rules does not apply to the Final Rule because the rule concerns agency procedure and practice and will not substantially affect the rights or obligations of non-agency parties. The Final Rule merely updates amounts published in the Code of Federal Regulations to reflect the Department of Commerce’s latest annual determination of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) implicit price deflator, a mathematical updating required by the Commission’s existing regulations. List of Subjects in 18 CFR Part 157 Administrative practice and procedure, Natural gas, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Jeff C. Wright, Director, Office of Energy Projects. Accordingly, 18 CFR part 157 is amended as follows: PART 157—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for Part 157 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 15 U.S.C. 717–717w, 3301– 3432; 42 U.S.C. 7101–7352. 2. Table I in § 157.208(d) is revised to read as follows: ■ § 157.208 Construction, acquisition, operation, replacement, and miscellaneous rearrangement of facilities. * * * (d) * * * * * TABLE I Limit Year 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 E:\FR\FM\15FER1.SGM Auto. proj. cost limit (Col. 1) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. $4,200,000 4,500,000 4,700,000 4,900,000 5,100,000 5,200,000 5,400,000 5,600,000 5,800,000 6,000,000 6,200,000 6,400,000 6,600,000 6,700,000 6,900,000 7,000,000 7,100,000 7,200,000 7,300,000 7,400,000 7,500,000 15FER1 Prior notice proj. cost limit (Col. 2) $12,000,000 12,800,000 13,300,000 13,800,000 14,300,000 14,700,000 15,100,000 15,600,000 16,000,000 16,700,000 17,300,000 17,700,000 18,100,000 18,400,000 18,800,000 19,200,000 19,600,000 19,800,000 20,200,000 20,600,000 21,000,000

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8722-8724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-3184]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0453; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-16-AD; 
Amendment 39-16942; AD 2012-03-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC135 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter Deutschland (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters. This AD results 
from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued 
by the aviation authority of the Federal Republic of Germany, with 
which we have a bilateral agreement, to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition. The MCAI AD states that in the past, the FADEC FAIL caution 
light illuminated on a few EC135 T1 helicopters. It states that this 
was caused by a discrepancy in the parameters that was generated within 
the fuel main metering unit and transmitted to the FADEC. This 
discrepancy led to the display of the FADEC FAIL caution light and 
``freezing'' of the fuel main metering valve at its position, resulting 
in loss of the automatic engine control in the affected system. With 
the MCAI AD, a synchronization procedure for pilots, which was already 
used in the past, is being reintroduced, which prevents the parameter 
discrepancy arising and thus sustains the automatic engine control.
    The AD actions are intended to prevent failure of the FADEC to 
automatically meter fuel, indicated by a FADEC FAIL cockpit caution 
light, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective March 21, 2012.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; 
or at https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review a copy of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.
    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 U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5204; email: 
eric.haight@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 8723]]

Discussion

    On April 28, 2011, we issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the 
Eurocopter Deutschland (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters. That NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2011, at 76 FR 27956. That 
NPRM proposed to reintroduce a synchronization procedure for pilots to 
prevent a parameter discrepancy from arising and sustain the automatic 
engine control.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design, and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed with the 
changes described previously and other minor editorial changes. These 
changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM and 
will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the 
scope of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD

    We use a 50-hour time-in-service (TIS) compliance time rather than 
before further flight as used in the MCAI AD. Also, the MCAI AD states 
to follow the ASB and insert pages into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual 
(RFM). We did not follow the ASB, which requires the RFM information to 
be filed in the Section 4, Normal Procedures, of the RFM. To make 
compliance with the information mandatory, we are requiring that it be 
inserted into the Section 2, Limitations Section of the RFM.

Related Service Information

    ECD has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. EC135-71A-024, dated 
August 6, 2002 (ASB). The ASB contains copies of special information to 
be inserted into the RFM for synchronizing fuel control components for 
sustaining automatic engine control. The ASB specifies making copies of 
the RFM pages contained in the ASB, cutting them out, and filing them 
in the RFM. The actions described in the MCAI AD are intended to 
correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in this service 
information.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 20 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about a half work-hour to 
copy and insert the synchronization procedure into the RFM. The average 
labor rate is $85 per hour. We estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $850.

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 that 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
a regulatory distinction is required; and
    4. 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.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA will amend 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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2012-03-01 Eurocopter Deutschland: Amendment 39-16942. Docket No. 
FAA-2011-0453; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-16-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC135 helicopters with Turbomeca Arrius 
2B or 2B1 engines installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a discrepancy generated 
within the fuel main metering unit and transmitted to the FADEC, 
which could lead to the display of the FADEC FAIL caution light and 
``freezing'' of the fuel main metering valve at its position. This 
condition could result in loss of the automatic engine control.

 (c) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 21, 2012.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), either insert the 
following procedure by making pen-and-ink changes to the Rotorcraft 
Flight Manual (RFM) or by inserting a copy of this AD into the 
Limitations Section of the RFM.

    SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR OEI/AUTOROTATION TRAINING AND APPROACH/
LANDING PREPARATION
    In order to prevent a malfunction, which could lead to a FADEC 
FAIL indication, the following procedure is mandatory:
    The procedure shown below must be performed while in a steady 
flight condition and at a safe altitude:

--Before initiation of every approach (with or without landing)
--During training of OEI or Autorotation before every switch-over to 
IDLE

    CAUTION: DURING THE RESET PROCEDURE DESCRIBED IN THE FOLLOWING, 
NO INPUTS ARE TO BE MADE TO THE COLLECTIVE LEVER OR TO THE TWIST 
GRIP FOR MANUAL ENGINE CONTROL, SINCE THIS CAN LEAD TO AN 
INEFFECTIVE SYNCHRONIZATION.

[[Page 8724]]

    The reset procedure is identical for each of two systems and is 
to be applied for both engines, one after the other.
    Procedure
    1. ENG MODE SEL switch--Set from NORM TO MAN
    After illumination of the ENG MANUAL caution:
    2. ENG MODE SEL switch--Set from MAN to NORM: ENG MANUAL caution 
must go off
    Repeat procedure for second engine.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal 
to: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Guidance 
Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 
222-5204, email: eric.haight@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a Part 119 operating 
certificate or under Part 91, Subpart K, we suggest that you notify 
your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the 
manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate 
holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying 
with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC135-71A-024, dated 
August 6, 2008, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter 
Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 
(972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
76137.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Luftfahrt-Bundesamt 
(Germany) AD No. 2002-333, dated September 16, 2002.

(h) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code: 7600, 
Engine Controls.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 27, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-3184 Filed 2-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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