Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 20319-20321 [2012-8056]
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20319
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 77, No. 65
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
procedure for filing and adjudicating
complaints against federally-assisted
airports. This correction clarifies that
the notice number for that proposed
rulemaking is 12–02.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
The comment period will close
on May 4, 2012.
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0354; Directorate
Identifier 2010–SW–104–AD]
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DATES:
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[Docket No. APHIS–2008–0010]
Melissa Loughlin, Office of Rulemaking,
ARM–204, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone
(202) 267–4055; facsimile (202) 267–
5075; email melissa.loughlin@faa.gov.
RIN 0579–AC68
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy;
Importation of Bovines and Bovine
Products
Background
Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service
9 CFR Part 93
14 CFR Part 16
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0176]
Correction
RIN 2120–AJ97
In FR Doc. 2012–4993, beginning on
page 13027 in the Federal Register of
March 5, 2012, make the following
correction:
On page 13027, in the second column
and fourth line under the NPRM’s
publication, correct ‘‘Notice No. 12–01’’
to read as ‘‘Notice No. 12–02’’.
In proposed rule document 2012—
6151 beginning on page 15848 in the
issue of Friday, March 16, 2012 make
the following correction:
§ 93.418
[Corrected]
On page 15902, in the second column,
in § 93.418(d)(2)(iv)(A), in the first line
‘‘A ‘‘C∧N’’ mark’’ should read ‘‘A ‘‘C∧N’’
mark’’.
[FR Doc. C1–2012–6151 Filed 4–3–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1505–01–D
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Rules of Practice for FederallyAssisted Airport Enforcement
Proceedings (Retrospective
Regulatory Review)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM); correction.
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
The FAA is correcting a
notice of proposed rulemaking that
published in the Federal Register on
March 5, 2012 (77 FR 13027). In that
document, the FAA proposed to amend
its regulations to update, simplify, and
streamline rules of practice and
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:25 Apr 03, 2012
Jkt 226001
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 26,
2012.
Pamela Hamilton-Powell,
Director, Office of Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. 2012–8121 Filed 4–3–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
PO 00000
Frm 00001
14 CFR Part 39
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 all
Eurocopter France (EC) Model SA–
365N, SA–365N1, SA–366G1, AS–
365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and
EC155B1 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by the discovery of a
cracked main rotor mast nut. This
condition, if not corrected, could lead to
complete failure of the mast nut,
resulting in failure of the rotor mast and
loss of control of the helicopter. This
proposed AD would require replacing
the main rotor mast nut with an
airworthy main rotor mast nut. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of
the main rotor mast and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by June 4, 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
SUMMARY:
On March 5, 2012, the FAA published
a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) entitled, ‘‘Rules of Practice for
Federally-Assisted Airport Enforcement
Proceedings (Retrospective Regulatory
Review)’’ (77 FR 13027).
In that NPRM, the FAA proposed to
update, simplify, and streamline rules of
practice and procedure for filing and
adjudicating complaints against
federally-assisted airports. The
proposed requirements would improve
efficiency by enabling parties to file
submissions with the FAA
electronically, and by incorporating
modern business practices into how the
FAA handles complaints. If adopted, the
amendment would reflect changes in
applicable laws and regulations, and
apply lessons learned since the existing
rules were implemented in 1996.
Correction
Federal Aviation Administration
Fmt 4702
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04APP1
20320
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 65 / Wednesday, April 4, 2012 / Proposed Rules
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 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary
Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
gary.b.roach@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
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.: 2006–
0368R1, dated December 2, 2010, and
corrected December 8, 2010 (AD 2006–
0368R1), to correct an unsafe condition
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:25 Apr 03, 2012
Jkt 226001
for the EC Model SA 365 N, SA 365 N1,
AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, SA 366 G1, EC
155 B, and EC 155 B1 helicopters. EASA
advises that a cracked (partially failed)
main rotor mast nut was discovered
during a complete overhaul of a main
rotor mast. The start of the crack was
related to circular scoring found in the
nut threads. EASA states that this
condition, if not corrected, ‘‘could lead
to complete failure of the mast nut,
possibly resulting in failure of the rotor
mast and consequent loss of control of
the helicopter.’’ To address this unsafe
condition, EASA issued Emergency AD
2006–0368–E, dated December 6, 2006
(AD 2006–0368–E), to require repetitive
inspections of the mast nut, and
replacement of the nut if cracked. Since
issuance of AD 2006–0368–E, EC has
developed modification (MOD) 0762C42
to improve the strength of the mast nut
by changing its material. Replacing mast
nut part number (P/N) 360A31–1020–20
with mast nut P/N 365A31–2060–20 or
365A31–2060–21 (as applicable to
helicopter type) ‘‘constitutes an optional
terminating action’’ for the repetitive
inspection requirements. For this
reason, EASA issued AD 2006–0368R1
‘‘to inform which helicopters remain
subject to inspections and replacement
requirements’’ of the AD.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of
these same type designs.
Related Service Information
We reviewed EC Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. 62.00.23, Revision 1,
for Model SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–
365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters; EC
ASB 62.12, Revision 1, for Model SA–
366G1 helicopters; and EC ASB 62A014,
Revision 1, for Model EC 155B and
EC155B1 helicopters, all dated Oct 27,
2010. The ASBs contain procedures for
repetitively inspecting the mast nut for
a crack or failure. The ASBs remove any
helicopter with MOD 0762C42
incorporated from the applicability of
the ASB. EASA classified this ASB as
mandatory and issued AD 2006–0368R1
to ensure the continued airworthiness of
these helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require, for
EC Model SA–365N, SA–365N1,
SA366G1, AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, EC
155B, and EC155B1 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with a mast
nut P/N 360A31–1020–20 installed:
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
• For EC Models SA–365N, SA–
365N1, AS–365N2, and AS 365 N3,
prior to accumulating 1,650 hours timein-service (TIS) or within the next 50
hours TIS, whichever occurs later,
remove mast nut P/N 360A31–1020–20
and replace with an airworthy mast nut
of a different P/N.
• For EC Model SA–366G1, prior to
accumulating 990 hours TIS or within
the next 30 hours TIS, whichever occurs
later, remove mast nut P/N 360A31–
1020–20 and replace with an airworthy
mast nut of a different P/N.
• For EC Models EC 155B and
EC155B1, prior to accumulating 660
hours TIS or within the next 50 hours
TIS, whichever occurs later, remove
mast nut P/N 360A31–1020–20 and
replace with an airworthy mast nut of a
different P/N.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD allows for either
inspecting the mast nut at regular
intervals or replacing the mast nut,
while the proposed AD requires
replacing the mast nut. The EASA AD
uses flight hours of the main rotor mast
assembly, while the proposed AD uses
TIS of the helicopter.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 30 helicopters of U.S. registry.
We estimate that replacing the mast nut
with an airworthy mast nut would
require 32 work-hours, at an average
labor cost of $85 per work-hour. Parts
would cost about $3,100. Based on these
costs, we estimate a total cost per
helicopter of $5,820, and a total cost for
the U.S. operator fleet of $174,600.
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 65 / Wednesday, April 4, 2012 / Proposed Rules
Regulatory Findings
(c) Compliance
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.
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.
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:
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new Airworthiness
Directive (AD):
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA–2012–
0354; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–
104–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France (EC)
Model SA–365N, SA–365N1, SA–366G1,
AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and
EC155B1 helicopters with a mast nut, part
number (P/N) 360A31–1020–20, installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD describes the unsafe condition as
a cracked main rotor mast nut. This
condition could result in failure of the rotor
mast and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:25 Apr 03, 2012
Jkt 226001
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26,
2012.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
(d) Required Actions
[FR Doc. 2012–8056 Filed 4–3–12; 8:45 am]
(1) For EC Models SA–365N, SA–365N1,
AS–365N2, and AS 365 N3, prior to
accumulating 1,650 hours time-in-service
(TIS) or within the next 50 hours TIS,
whichever occurs later, remove mast nut
P/N 360A31–1020–20 and replace with an
airworthy mast nut that has a P/N other than
P/N 360A31–1020–20.
(2) For EC Model SA–366G1, prior to
accumulating 990 hours TIS or within the
next 30 hours TIS, whichever occurs later,
remove mast nut P/N 360A31–1020–20 and
replace with an airworthy mast nut that has
a P/N other than P/N 360A31–1020–20.
(3) For EC Models EC 155B and EC155B1,
prior to accumulating 660 hours TIS or
within the next 50 hours TIS, whichever
occurs later, remove mast nut P/N 360A31–
1020–20 and replace with an airworthy mast
nut that has a P/N other than P/N 360A31–
1020–20.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and
Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
gary.b.roach@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
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
20321
(1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
62.00.23, No. 62.12, and No. 62A014, which
are not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of
this AD. All of the service bulletins are
Revision 1 and all are dated Oct 27, 2010. 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 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
in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No.:
2006–0368R1, dated December 2, 2010, and
corrected December 8, 2010.
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6300, main rotor drive system.
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0356; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–067–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We are proposing a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD)
MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–BK 117 A–4,
MBB–BK B–1, MBB–BK 117 B–2, and
MBB–BK C–1 helicopters equipped with
a certain external-hoist system (hoist
system) by requiring either deactivating
the entire hoist system or deactivating
the hoist system cable cutter function on
the hoist system operator control handle
(operator handle). This AD was
prompted by an uncommanded
activation of the hoist cable cutter
function on an MBB–BK117 C–1
helicopter. This AD is intended to
prevent uncommanded cutting of the
hoist cable and subsequent injury to
persons being lifted by the hoist.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by May 4, 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
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\04APP1.SGM
04APP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 4, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20319-20321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-8056]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0354; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-104-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 all
Eurocopter France (EC) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, SA-366G1, AS-365N2, AS
365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted
by the discovery of a cracked main rotor mast nut. This condition, if
not corrected, could lead to complete failure of the mast nut,
resulting in failure of the rotor mast and loss of control of the
helicopter. This proposed AD would require replacing the main rotor
mast nut with an airworthy main rotor mast nut. We are proposing this
AD to prevent failure of the main rotor mast and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 4, 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
[[Page 20320]]
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 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
gary.b.roach@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.:
2006-0368R1, dated December 2, 2010, and corrected December 8, 2010 (AD
2006-0368R1), to correct an unsafe condition for the EC Model SA 365 N,
SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, SA 366 G1, EC 155 B, and EC 155 B1
helicopters. EASA advises that a cracked (partially failed) main rotor
mast nut was discovered during a complete overhaul of a main rotor
mast. The start of the crack was related to circular scoring found in
the nut threads. EASA states that this condition, if not corrected,
``could lead to complete failure of the mast nut, possibly resulting in
failure of the rotor mast and consequent loss of control of the
helicopter.'' To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued Emergency
AD 2006-0368-E, dated December 6, 2006 (AD 2006-0368-E), to require
repetitive inspections of the mast nut, and replacement of the nut if
cracked. Since issuance of AD 2006-0368-E, EC has developed
modification (MOD) 0762C42 to improve the strength of the mast nut by
changing its material. Replacing mast nut part number (P/N) 360A31-
1020-20 with mast nut P/N 365A31-2060-20 or 365A31-2060-21 (as
applicable to helicopter type) ``constitutes an optional terminating
action'' for the repetitive inspection requirements. For this reason,
EASA issued AD 2006-0368R1 ``to inform which helicopters remain subject
to inspections and replacement requirements'' of the AD.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type
designs.
Related Service Information
We reviewed EC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 62.00.23, Revision
1, for Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters; EC
ASB 62.12, Revision 1, for Model SA-366G1 helicopters; and EC ASB
62A014, Revision 1, for Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters, all
dated Oct 27, 2010. The ASBs contain procedures for repetitively
inspecting the mast nut for a crack or failure. The ASBs remove any
helicopter with MOD 0762C42 incorporated from the applicability of the
ASB. EASA classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD 2006-0368R1 to
ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require, for EC Model SA-365N, SA-365N1,
SA366G1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with a mast nut P/N 360A31-1020-20
installed:
For EC Models SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3,
prior to accumulating 1,650 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within the
next 50 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, remove mast nut P/N 360A31-
1020-20 and replace with an airworthy mast nut of a different P/N.
For EC Model SA-366G1, prior to accumulating 990 hours TIS
or within the next 30 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, remove mast
nut P/N 360A31-1020-20 and replace with an airworthy mast nut of a
different P/N.
For EC Models EC 155B and EC155B1, prior to accumulating
660 hours TIS or within the next 50 hours TIS, whichever occurs later,
remove mast nut P/N 360A31-1020-20 and replace with an airworthy mast
nut of a different P/N.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD allows for either inspecting the mast nut at regular
intervals or replacing the mast nut, while the proposed AD requires
replacing the mast nut. The EASA AD uses flight hours of the main rotor
mast assembly, while the proposed AD uses TIS of the helicopter.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 30 helicopters of U.S.
registry. We estimate that replacing the mast nut with an airworthy
mast nut would require 32 work-hours, at an average labor cost of $85
per work-hour. Parts would cost about $3,100. Based on these costs, we
estimate a total cost per helicopter of $5,820, and a total cost for
the U.S. operator fleet of $174,600.
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.
[[Page 20321]]
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: Docket No. FAA-2012-0354; Directorate Identifier
2010-SW-104-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France (EC) Model SA-365N, SA-
365N1, SA-366G1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1
helicopters with a mast nut, part number (P/N) 360A31-1020-20,
installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD describes the unsafe condition as a cracked main rotor
mast nut. This condition could result in failure of the rotor mast
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) For EC Models SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3,
prior to accumulating 1,650 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within
the next 50 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, remove mast nut P/N
360A31-1020-20 and replace with an airworthy mast nut that has a P/N
other than P/N 360A31-1020-20.
(2) For EC Model SA-366G1, prior to accumulating 990 hours TIS
or within the next 30 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, remove mast
nut P/N 360A31-1020-20 and replace with an airworthy mast nut that
has a P/N other than P/N 360A31-1020-20.
(3) For EC Models EC 155B and EC155B1, prior to accumulating 660
hours TIS or within the next 50 hours TIS, whichever occurs later,
remove mast nut P/N 360A31-1020-20 and replace with an airworthy
mast nut that has a P/N other than P/N 360A31-1020-20.
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email gary.b.roach@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
(1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 62.00.23, No. 62.12,
and No. 62A014, which are not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of this AD. All of the
service bulletins are Revision 1 and all are dated Oct 27, 2010. 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 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 in European Aviation
Safety Agency AD No.: 2006-0368R1, dated December 2, 2010, and
corrected December 8, 2010.
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300, main rotor
drive system.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26, 2012.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-8056 Filed 4-3-12; 8:45 am]
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