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]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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