Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 14310-14312 [2012-5620]

Download as PDF 14310 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Not in excess of 50 percent of the statewide nonmetropolitan median household income—40 points. (ii) More than 50 percent and not in excess of 60 percent of the statewide nonmetropolitan median household income—20 points. (iii) More than 60 percent and not in excess of 70 percent of the statewide nonmetropolitan median household income—10 points. (3) Joint financing. The amount of joint financing committed to the proposed project is: (i) Twenty percent or more private, local, or State funds except Federal funds channeled through a State agency—10 points. (ii) Five to 19 percent private, local, or State funds except Federal funds channeled through a State agency—5 points. (4) Colonia. (See definition in § 1777.4). The proposed project will provide water and/or waste disposal services to the residents of a colonia:— 50 points. Additional points will be assigned as follows: (5) Access and health risks for colonias. (i) A colonia that lacks access to both water and waste disposal facilities, resulting in a significant health risk—50 points. (ii) A colonia that lacks access to either water or waste disposal facilities, resulting in a significant health risk—40 points. (iii) A colonia that has access to water and waste disposal facilities, but is facing a significant health risk—15 points. (6) Discretionary. In certain cases, and when a written justification is prepared, the State Program Official with loan/ grant approval authority may assign up to 15 points for items such as natural disaster, to improve compatibility/ coordination between the Agency’s and other agencies’ selection systems, to assist those projects that are the most cost effective, high unemployment rate, severity of health risks, etc. Dated: February 29, 2012. Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2012–5627 Filed 3–8–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Mar 08, 2012 Jkt 226001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0222; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–007–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Eurocopter France Model AS350 helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by an in-flight fire caused by ignition of hydraulic fluid leaking from a damaged forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hose. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the forward servo-control hydraulic hoses from becoming damaged and leaking hydraulic fluid that could ignite in flight, which can result in loss of main rotor control, power loss, structural damage, propagation of fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 8, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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 service information identified in this proposed AD, contact American SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Wilbanks, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5051; email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD No. 2011–0033, dated March 1, 2011 (AD 2011–0033) to correct an unsafe condition for the Eurocopter AS350 B, BA, BB, D, B1, B2, and B3 helicopters with a single hydraulic power system and forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hoses part number (P/N) 704A34–412–033 (other reference manufacturer’s part number (MP/N) 675–102–05–01) and P/N 704A34–412–035 (other reference MP/N 675–102–06–01) installed. EASA E:\FR\FM\09MRP1.SGM 09MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules advises that an in-flight fire in the main gearbox compartment occurred on an AS350B2 helicopter, ‘‘caused by ignition of hydraulic fluid leaking from a hydraulic hose that had been damaged following an electrical fault in a circuit located in the compartment, which is not fire protected. An in-flight fire in the main gearbox compartment during a continued flight, when undetected or where a landing could not be performed immediately, could result in loss of hydraulics, shutdown of the engine because of fire effects, and damage to the Main Rotor (M/R) control system.’’ This condition, if not prevented, could lead to loss of M/R control, power loss, structural damage, propagation of fire into the cabin or other compartments, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. For these reasons, AD 2011– 0033 requires installation of protection sleeves on the affected hydraulic hoses. FAA’s 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 representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in their AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design. Related Service Information Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 29.00.13, dated July 26, 2010 (ASB 29.00.13), which specifies installing two siliconed glass wool sleeves over both forward main rotor servo-control hydraulic hoses. EASA classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD 2011–0033 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within 30 days, installing protection sleeves over the forward (pitch) servocontrol hydraulic hoses in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2 of ASB 29.00.13. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD applies to the Eurocopter Model AS350 BB. The proposed AD does not, as this model is not type certificated in the U.S. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 695 helicopters of U.S. Registry. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Mar 08, 2012 Jkt 226001 We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Disconnecting the servo control hoses, installing the protective sleeves, reconnecting the hoses, and testing for interference requires one work hour at an average labor rate of $85 per hour. Required parts cost $212, for a total cost of $297 for each helicopter. Based upon these costs, we estimate a total cost to the U.S. operator fleet of $206,415. 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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this 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); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14311 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by Reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new Airworthiness Directive (AD): Eurocopter France Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2012–0222; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–007–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350D, AS350B1, AS350B2, and AS350B3 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a single hydraulic power system and either of the following forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hoses installed: Part number (P/N) 704A34–412–033 (other reference manufacturer’s part number (MP/N) 675– 102–05–01), or P/N 704A34–412–035 (other reference MP/N 675–102–06–01); excluding those helicopters that have been modified in accordance with modification 074238. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as unprotected forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hoses, which could become damaged and leak hydraulic fluid that could ignite in flight. This condition could result in loss of main rotor control, power loss, structural damage, propagation of fire into the cabin or other compartments, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) 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. (d) Required Actions (1) Within 30 days, install sleeve P/N 706A34–402–225 over hydraulic hose P/N 704A34–412–033 and sleeve P/N 706A34– 402–224 over hydraulic hose P/N 704A34– 412–035 in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 29.00.13, dated July 26, 2010. (2) Do not install an affected hydraulic hose on any helicopter without a sleeve in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) of this AD. (e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this E:\FR\FM\09MRP1.SGM 09MRP1 14312 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5051, email matt.wilbanks@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. (f) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2011–0033, dated March 15, 2011. (g) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2900: Hydraulic Power System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 24, 2012. Lance T. Gant, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–5620 Filed 3–8–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0195; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–08–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International, Inc. Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Honeywell International, Inc. ALF502L– 2C; ALF502R–3; ALF502R–3A; ALF502R–5; LF507–1F; and LF507–1H turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by two reports of engines experiencing uncontained release of low-pressure (LP) turbine blades. This proposed AD would require operational checks of the engine overspeed trip system. We are proposing this AD to prevent LP turbine overspeed leading to uncontained release of the LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 8, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Mar 08, 2012 Jkt 226001 • 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Honeywell International, Inc., P.O. Box 52181, Phoenix, AZ 85072–2181, phone: 800– 601–3099; Web site: https:// portal.honeywell.com/wps/portal/aero. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: 562–627–5245; fax: 562–627–5210; email: robert.baitoo@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2012–0195; Directorate Identifier 2012– NE–08–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 We received two reports of engines experiencing uncontained release of LP turbine blades. Investigation revealed that the overspeed trip system on both of these engines had a preexisting (latent) failure when the fan decoupled from the LP turbine, due to a certain part failing in the reduction gearbox. This condition, if not corrected, could result in LP turbine overspeed leading to uncontained release of the LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Honeywell International, Inc. ALF502L Engine Maintenance Manual Section 72–00–00, Inspection/Check-10, dated October 31, 2000; ALF502R Engine Manual Section 72–00–00, Inspection/Check-09, dated July 31, 2000; LF507–1F Engine Manual Section 72–00–00, Inspection/Check-08, Temporary Revision 72–146, dated November 3, 2006; and LF507–1H Engine Manual Section 72–00–00, Inspection/Check-08, dated September 30, 1999. The service information describes procedures for operational checks of the overspeed trip system. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive operational checks of the overspeed trip system. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 188 Honeywell International, Inc. ALF502L–2C; ALF502R–3; ALF502R–3A; ALF502R–5; LF507–1F; and LF507–1H turbofan engines, installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about one work-hour to perform an operational check of the overspeed trip system on each engine. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of this proposed AD for one operational check of the overspeed trip system to U.S. operators, to be $15,980. E:\FR\FM\09MRP1.SGM 09MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 47 (Friday, March 9, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14310-14312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5620]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0222; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-007-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Eurocopter France Model AS350 helicopters. This proposed AD is 
prompted by an in-flight fire caused by ignition of hydraulic fluid 
leaking from a damaged forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hose. 
The proposed actions are intended to prevent the forward servo-control 
hydraulic hoses from becoming damaged and leaking hydraulic fluid that 
could ignite in flight, which can result in loss of main rotor control, 
power loss, structural damage, propagation of fire, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 8, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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 service information identified in this proposed 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Wilbanks, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham 
Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5051; email 
matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD No. 
2011-0033, dated March 1, 2011 (AD 2011-0033) to correct an unsafe 
condition for the Eurocopter AS350 B, BA, BB, D, B1, B2, and B3 
helicopters with a single hydraulic power system and forward (pitch) 
servo-control hydraulic hoses part number (P/N) 704A34-412-033 (other 
reference manufacturer's part number (MP/N) 675-102-05-01) and P/N 
704A34-412-035 (other reference MP/N 675-102-06-01) installed. EASA

[[Page 14311]]

advises that an in-flight fire in the main gearbox compartment occurred 
on an AS350B2 helicopter, ``caused by ignition of hydraulic fluid 
leaking from a hydraulic hose that had been damaged following an 
electrical fault in a circuit located in the compartment, which is not 
fire protected. An in-flight fire in the main gearbox compartment 
during a continued flight, when undetected or where a landing could not 
be performed immediately, could result in loss of hydraulics, shutdown 
of the engine because of fire effects, and damage to the Main Rotor (M/
R) control system.'' This condition, if not prevented, could lead to 
loss of M/R control, power loss, structural damage, propagation of fire 
into the cabin or other compartments, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter. For these reasons, AD 2011-0033 requires installation 
of protection sleeves on the affected hydraulic hoses.

FAA's 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 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
their AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 29.00.13, dated 
July 26, 2010 (ASB 29.00.13), which specifies installing two siliconed 
glass wool sleeves over both forward main rotor servo-control hydraulic 
hoses. EASA classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD 2011-0033 to 
ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 30 days, installing 
protection sleeves over the forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic 
hoses in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2 of ASB 29.00.13.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to the Eurocopter Model AS350 BB. The proposed 
AD does not, as this model is not type certificated in the U.S.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 695 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. Disconnecting the servo control hoses, 
installing the protective sleeves, reconnecting the hoses, and testing 
for interference requires one work hour at an average labor rate of $85 
per hour. Required parts cost $212, for a total cost of $297 for each 
helicopter. Based upon these costs, we estimate a total cost to the 
U.S. operator fleet of $206,415.

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 helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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 proposed 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
Airworthiness Directive (AD):

Eurocopter France Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2012-0222; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-SW-007-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, 
AS350D, AS350B1, AS350B2, and AS350B3 helicopters, certificated in 
any category, with a single hydraulic power system and either of the 
following forward (pitch) servo-control hydraulic hoses installed: 
Part number (P/N) 704A34-412-033 (other reference manufacturer's 
part number (MP/N) 675-102-05-01), or P/N 704A34-412-035 (other 
reference MP/N 675-102-06-01); excluding those helicopters that have 
been modified in accordance with modification 074238.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as unprotected forward 
(pitch) servo-control hydraulic hoses, which could become damaged 
and leak hydraulic fluid that could ignite in flight. This condition 
could result in loss of main rotor control, power loss, structural 
damage, propagation of fire into the cabin or other compartments, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) 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.

(d) Required Actions

    (1) Within 30 days, install sleeve P/N 706A34-402-225 over 
hydraulic hose P/N 704A34-412-033 and sleeve P/N 706A34-402-224 over 
hydraulic hose P/N 704A34-412-035 in accordance with Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 29.00.13, dated July 26, 2010.
    (2) Do not install an affected hydraulic hose on any helicopter 
without a sleeve in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this

[[Page 14312]]

AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham 
Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5051, email 
matt.wilbanks@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.

(f) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency AD No. 2011-0033, dated March 15, 2011.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2900: Hydraulic 
Power System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 24, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-5620 Filed 3-8-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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