Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 36216-36220 [2012-14807]
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules
(g) Additional Information
Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with 14 CFR §§ 21.197 and
21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location
where the requirements of this AD can be
accomplished, provided that:
(1) No passengers are onboard;
(2) The time to fly to the location does not
exceed 10 hours time-in-service; and
(3) The airspeed does not exceed 70 knots
indicated air speed (KIAS).
(1) For service information identified in
this AD, contact American Eurocopter
Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641–0000
or (800) 232–0323, fax (972) 641–3775, or at
https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You
may review a copy of the 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
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD No. 2010–0258, dated December 6, 2010.
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Jkt 226001
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Jim Grigg,
Manager, Safety Management Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817)
222–5110; email jim.grigg@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR 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.
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(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5600, Window/Windshield System.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 8,
2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–14799 Filed 6–15–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0631; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–021–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
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(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(e) Special Flight Permit
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(2) If there is a crack or if a pilot indicates
that the center windscreen distorted during
flight, before further flight, replace the center
windscreen with an airworthy center
windscreen, P/N 350A25–9045–20, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.2.b. through
2.B.2.b.4. of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No.
56–003, Revision 0, dated November 16,
2010.
(3) Within 12 months, replace the center
windscreen with an airworthy center
windscreen, P/N 350A25–9045–20, in
accordance with the instructions contained
in paragraph (d)(2) of this AD.
(4) Replacing the center windscreen with
center windscreen, P/N 350A25–9045–20,
constitutes terminating action for the
requirements of this AD.
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with
certain Aerazur emergency flotation gear
attachment brackets (brackets) installed.
This proposed AD would require an
initial and recurring inspection of the
brackets for a crack, and if there is a
crack, replacing the cracked bracket
with an airworthy bracket. This
proposed AD is prompted by reports of
cracks on the brackets. The proposed
actions are intended to prevent failure
of the emergency flotation system and
loss of float stability in the event of a
water landing.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 17, 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, Texas 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may
review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
Worth, Texas 76137.
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:48 Jun 15, 2012
Jkt 226001
Jim
Grigg, Manager, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
jim.grigg@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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, issued AD No. 2011–0072, dated
April 20, 2011 (AD 2011–0072), to
correct an unsafe condition for the
Eurocopter AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters with Aerazur
emergency flotation gear attachments
installed. EASA advises of several
reports of cracks being found on the
brackets which appear to be caused by
stress corrosion. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in ‘‘rupture of
the emergency flotation gear attachment
brackets’’ during a water landing, no
longer ensuring float stability of the
helicopter, possibly resulting in damage
to the helicopter and injury to the
occupants. The EASA’s AD requires an
initial inspection of the brackets,
replacement of any brackets found with
cracks, and re-inspection of the brackets
every 13 months.
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FAA’s Determination
These helicopters 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, the EASA, its
technical representative, has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in its
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 these
same type designs.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350–05.00.63,
Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011
(AS350–05.00.63), and ASB No. AS355–
05.00.58, Revision 1, dated April 18,
2011 (AS355–05.00.58). These ASBs
specify procedures to inspect the front
and rear brackets at regular intervals.
The EASA classified these ASBs as
mandatory and issued EASA AD 2011–
0072 to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
inspecting the brackets for a crack
within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS)
or 3 months, whichever occurs first and,
if there is a crack, replacing the cracked
bracket with an airworthy bracket. This
proposed AD would also require
repeating the inspection at intervals not
to exceed 13 months.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
Differences between this proposed AD
and the EASA AD include:
• The EASA AD applies to
Eurocopter Model AS 350 BB
helicopters; this proposed AD does not
as this model is not type certificated by
the FAA. Additionally, the EASA AD
excludes Eurocopter Models AS350C
and AS350D1, whereas this proposed
AD includes them.
• The EASA AD mandates different
compliance times depending on the
manufacture date of the helicopter; we
mandate inspecting all helicopters
within 110 hours TIS or 3 months,
whichever occurs first, regardless of
date of manufacture.
• This proposed AD does not require
returning cracked brackets to the
manufacturer.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD
interim action. Eurocopter is currently
developing a modification that will
address the unsafe condition identified
in this AD. Once this modification is
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules
developed, approved, and available, we
might consider additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 733 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators
may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this AD. It would take
about 4 work-hours per inspection cycle
and the average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Based on these estimates,
the total cost per inspection cycle would
be $340 per helicopter and $249,220 on
the U.S. fleet. Required parts for one
bracket replacement would cost about
$1,130 and replacement would take
about 1 work-hour. Thus, the total cost
to replace one bracket would be about
$1,215; however, we have no way of
determining the number of helicopters
that might need these replacements.
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
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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Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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:
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§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA–2012–
0631; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–
021–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D,
AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters
with an Aerazur emergency flotation gear
attachment bracket, part number 158172,
158173, 158288, or 158289, installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in an attachment bracket of the
emergency flotation gear. This condition
could result in failure of the emergency
flotation system and loss of float stability in
the event of a water landing.
(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
Within 110 hours time-in-service or 3
months, whichever occurs first, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 13
months:
(1) Using a 5x or higher power magnifying
glass, visually inspect the front emergency
floatation gear attachment bracket (Figure 1
of this AD, section B–B, item (e)) in Areas F,
G, and H; and the rear emergency flotation
gear attachment bracket (Figure 1 of this AD,
section A–A, item (a)) in Areas D and E for
a crack.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–C
(2) If there is a crack, replace the cracked
emergency floatation gear attachment bracket
with an airworthy emergency floatation gear
attachment bracket prior to reinstallation of
the emergency flotation equipment.
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Jkt 226001
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send
your proposal to: Jim Grigg, Manager, Safety
Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110;
email jim.grigg@faa.gov.
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36219
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR 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.
E:\FR\FM\18JNP1.SGM
18JNP1
EP18JN12.007</GPH>
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules
36220
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules
(f) Additional Information
(1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. AS350–05.00.63, Revision 1, dated April
18, 2011, and ASB No. AS355–05.00.58,
Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011, which are
not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of
this AD. For this service information, contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N.
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323;
fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may
review this 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
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2011–0072, dated April 20, 2011.
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2560, Emergency Equipment.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 8,
2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–14807 Filed 6–15–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0632; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–044–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 all
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model
SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, AS
365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365C,
SA–365C1, SA–365C2, and SA–366G1
helicopters. This proposed AD is
prompted by reports of corrosion on the
main gearbox (MGB) casing lower area
between the two servo-control
anchoring fitting attachment ribs. An
investigation determined that the
corrosion was associated with sealing
compound on the lower part of the
fitting/casing attachment. The proposed
actions are intended to detect corrosion
on the MGB casing, which could lead to
a crack, failure of the MGB, and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:48 Jun 15, 2012
Jkt 226001
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 17, 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 Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75053–4005,
telephone (800) 232–0323, fax (972)
641–3710, or at https://
www.eurocopter.com. 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: Rao
Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–4389; email:
rao.edupaganti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
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,
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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.: 2011–0127,
dated July 1, 2011 (AD No. 2011–0127),
which supersedes Directorate General
for Civil Aviation (DGAC France) AD F–
2008–04, dated June 4, 2008, for the
Eurocopter Model EC 155 B, EC 155 B1,
SA 365 N, SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, AS
365 N3, SA 366 G1, SA 365 C, SA 365
C1, SA 365 C2, and SA 365 C3
helicopters with a MGB, all part
numbers, that was delivered before
December 5, 2007, installed on
helicopters delivered before December
5, 2007, or overhauled or repaired
before September 30, 2008. EASA states
that in 2008, it received two reports of
atmospheric corrosion on the MGB
casing lower area of two helicopters
between the two servo-control
anchoring fitting attachment ribs. The
investigation showed that the corrosion
occurred in this area due to the presence
of ‘‘PR sealing compound’’ on the lower
part of the fitting/casing attachment.
The ‘‘PR sealing compound’’ may have
been applied incorrectly on some
helicopters due to a misinterpretation of
the Eurocopter documentation during
installation. EASA states that this
condition, if not corrected, could lead to
‘‘crack initiation and crack growth in
the affected area of the casing,’’ which
could cause this area to fail and result
in loss of control of the helicopter.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters 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, its
technical representative, has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in its
AD. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 117 (Monday, June 18, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36216-36220]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-14807]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0631; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-021-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
[[Page 36217]]
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters with certain Aerazur emergency flotation gear
attachment brackets (brackets) installed. This proposed AD would
require an initial and recurring inspection of the brackets for a
crack, and if there is a crack, replacing the cracked bracket with an
airworthy bracket. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracks on
the brackets. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of
the emergency flotation system and loss of float stability in the event
of a water landing.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 17, 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,
Texas 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-
3775; or at https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review 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: Jim Grigg, Manager, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email jim.grigg@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, issued AD No. 2011-
0072, dated April 20, 2011 (AD 2011-0072), to correct an unsafe
condition for the Eurocopter AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters with Aerazur emergency flotation gear attachments
installed. EASA advises of several reports of cracks being found on the
brackets which appear to be caused by stress corrosion. This condition,
if not corrected, could result in ``rupture of the emergency flotation
gear attachment brackets'' during a water landing, no longer ensuring
float stability of the helicopter, possibly resulting in damage to the
helicopter and injury to the occupants. The EASA's AD requires an
initial inspection of the brackets, replacement of any brackets found
with cracks, and re-inspection of the brackets every 13 months.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters 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, the EASA, its technical
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in
its 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 these same type designs.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-05.00.63,
Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011 (AS350-05.00.63), and ASB No. AS355-
05.00.58, Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011 (AS355-05.00.58). These ASBs
specify procedures to inspect the front and rear brackets at regular
intervals. The EASA classified these ASBs as mandatory and issued EASA
AD 2011-0072 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require inspecting the brackets for a crack
within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs
first and, if there is a crack, replacing the cracked bracket with an
airworthy bracket. This proposed AD would also require repeating the
inspection at intervals not to exceed 13 months.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
Differences between this proposed AD and the EASA AD include:
The EASA AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS 350 BB
helicopters; this proposed AD does not as this model is not type
certificated by the FAA. Additionally, the EASA AD excludes Eurocopter
Models AS350C and AS350D1, whereas this proposed AD includes them.
The EASA AD mandates different compliance times depending
on the manufacture date of the helicopter; we mandate inspecting all
helicopters within 110 hours TIS or 3 months, whichever occurs first,
regardless of date of manufacture.
This proposed AD does not require returning cracked
brackets to the manufacturer.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD interim action. Eurocopter is
currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe
condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is
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developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional
rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 733 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this AD. It would take about 4 work-hours per
inspection cycle and the average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based
on these estimates, the total cost per inspection cycle would be $340
per helicopter and $249,220 on the U.S. fleet. Required parts for one
bracket replacement would cost about $1,130 and replacement would take
about 1 work-hour. Thus, the total cost to replace one bracket would be
about $1,215; however, we have no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these replacements.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this 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-2012-0631; Directorate Identifier
2011-SW-021-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with an Aerazur
emergency flotation gear attachment bracket, part number 158172,
158173, 158288, or 158289, installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in an attachment
bracket of the emergency flotation gear. This condition could result
in failure of the emergency flotation system and loss of float
stability in the event of a water landing.
(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
Within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months, whichever occurs
first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 13 months:
(1) Using a 5x or higher power magnifying glass, visually
inspect the front emergency floatation gear attachment bracket
(Figure 1 of this AD, section B-B, item (e)) in Areas F, G, and H;
and the rear emergency flotation gear attachment bracket (Figure 1
of this AD, section A-A, item (a)) in Areas D and E for a crack.
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(2) If there is a crack, replace the cracked emergency
floatation gear attachment bracket with an airworthy emergency
floatation gear attachment bracket prior to reinstallation of the
emergency flotation equipment.
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Jim Grigg, Manager, Safety
Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
jim.grigg@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR 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.
[[Page 36220]]
(f) Additional Information
(1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-05.00.63,
Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011, and ASB No. AS355-05.00.58,
Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011, which are not incorporated by
reference, contain additional information about the subject of this
AD. For this service information, contact American Eurocopter
Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052;
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or
at https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review this 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 European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2011-0072, dated April 20, 2011.
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2560, Emergency
Equipment.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 8, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-14807 Filed 6-15-12; 8:45 am]
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