Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 44513-44515 [2012-18463]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2012 / Proposed Rules List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. depicted in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA–SB–71–006, dated May 2012. (g) Other FAA AD Provisions 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 AD: Alpha Aviation Concept Limited: Docket No. FAA–2012–0798; Directorate Identifier 2012–CE–023–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by September 13, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 71, Power Plant. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of possible installation of non-conforming air filter elements that are not fitted with metallic mesh and could internally collapse resulting in disruption of the powerplant operation. We are issuing this proposed AD to inspect the air filter element and replace if applicable. (f) Actions and Compliance Unless already done, do the following actions following Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA–SB–71–006, dated May 2012: (1) Within the next 30 days time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect the air filter part number (P/N) 57.34.00.010 to determine if it has been fitted with a perforated metal liner. (2) If, after the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, the air filter part number (P/N) 57.34.00.010 is found to include the perforated metal liner, no further action is required. (3) If, after the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, the air filter is found to not contain the perforated metal liner, before further flight, replace the air filter with a new air filter P/N 57.34.00.010 that does contain the perforated metal liner. (4) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any air filter P/N 57.34.00.010 that does not have the perforated metal liner VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:37 Jul 27, 2012 Jkt 226001 The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (h) Related Information Refer to MCAI DCA/R2000/41 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for New Zealand, dated June 8, 2012; and Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA–SB–71–006, dated May 2012, for related information. For service information related to this AD, contact Alpha Aviation, 59 Hautapu Road, RD 1, Cambridge 3493, New Zealand; telephone: +64 7 827 0528; fax: +64 7 929 2878; Internet: www.alphaaviation.co.nz. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 44513 Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 24, 2012. James Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–18461 Filed 7–27–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0794; Directorate Identifier 2006–SW–04–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. This proposed AD would require revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft flight Manual (RFM) to reduce the starter generator operating current to 180 amperes (amps) and installing a placard in the instrument panel indicating the revised limitation. This proposed AD is prompted by the determination that the manufacturerinstalled Aircraft Parts Corporation (APC) starter generator has exceeded the shaft horse power extractions allowed for Turbomeca engines. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the engine surge margin being reduced, which can result in engine failure. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 28, 2012. SUMMARY: 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. • 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 ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\30JYP1.SGM 30JYP1 44514 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2012 / Proposed Rules srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 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: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5110, fax (817) 222–5961, email chinh.vuong@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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:37 Jul 27, 2012 Jkt 226001 for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD No. 2006–0337, dated November 7, 2006, to correct an unsafe condition for the Eurocopter Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. EASA advises that the power drawn by an APC 200 amps starter generator from the engine is above the consumption capacity for the specified Eurocopter model helicopters. Excessive power consumption of the starter generator reduces the engine surge margin, which can result in engine failure. 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 unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. Related Service Information Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs) No. 01.00.57 for the Model AS350B3 helicopters and No. 04A002 for the Model EC130B4 helicopters. Both ASBs are Revision 1 and both are dated September 14, 2006. The ASBs specify defining the limitation for the APC 200-amp starter generator. EASA classified these ASBs as mandatory and issued AD No. 2006– 0337, dated November 7, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within the next 100 hours time-inservice (TIS), revising the Limitations section of the RFM to reduce the starter generator rating to 180 amps and installing a placard on the instrument panel below the vehicle engine multifunction display indicating the starter generator reduced limitation: ‘‘MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD 180A.’’ Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD We would require that this proposed AD be accomplished within 100 hours TIS, rather than 110 flight hours or 12 months as stated in the EASA AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 363 helicopters of U.S. registry. We estimate that operators may PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD: It would cost $21.25, assuming it takes 15 minutes to revise the RFM and install a placard on the instrument panel of each helicopter at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour, or $7,714 for the fleet. 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. E:\FR\FM\30JYP1.SGM 30JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2012 / Proposed Rules 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: Docket No. FAA–2012– 0794; Directorate Identifier 2006–SW– 04–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters with an Aircraft Parts Corporation (APC) 200-ampere (amp) starter generator, part number (P/N) 200SGL130Q, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessive power consumption of the starter generator, which reduces the engine surge margin. This condition could result in engine failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (f) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletins No. 01.00.57 and No. 04A002, both Revision 1, and both dated September 14, 2006, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this 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 copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2006–0337, dated November 7, 2006. (g) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Starter-Generator 2435. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 20, 2012. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–18463 Filed 7–27–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (d) Required Actions Within the next 100 hours time-in-service: (1) Revise Paragraph 2, Limitations, of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Supplement 29 to reduce the maximum current of the starter generator to 180 amps Max. continuous. (2) Install a placard, 125 millimeters long by 10 millimeters wide, on the instrument panel below the vehicle engine multifunction display indicating the starter generator reduced limitation: ‘‘MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD = 180A.’’ srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (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. [Docket No. FAA–2012–0754] (e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5110, fax (817) 222–5961, email chinh.vuong@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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:37 Jul 27, 2012 Jkt 226001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Chapter I Airport Improvement Program (AIP): Policy Regarding Access to Airports From Residential Property Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Proposed policy; implementation of Section 136; opportunity to comment. AGENCY: This action proposes a policy, based on Federal law, concerning through-the-fence access to a federally obligated airport from an adjacent or nearby property, when that property is used as a residence. This proposed policy limits application of the FAA’s previously published interim policy (76 FR 15028; March 18, 2011) to commercial service airports that certified existing residential throughthe-fence access agreements. In addition, this notice proposes to rescind applicability of the interim policy with regard to certain general aviation airports consistent with section 136 of Public Law 112–95 and describes how the FAA will interpret provisions of this SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 44515 law pertaining to residential throughthe-fence access. When the FAA adopted its interim policy on access to airports from residential property, the FAA announced its intent to initiate another policy review in 2014. This supplemental policy review will no longer be necessary. DATES: Send your comments on or before August 29, 2012. The FAA will consider comments on the proposed policy and its proposed implementation of Section 136 of Public Law 112–95. Any necessary or appropriate revisions resulting from the comments received will be adopted as of the date of a subsequent publication in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: You may send comments [identified by Docket Number FAA– 2012–XXX] using any of the following methods: • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12– 140, Routing Symbol M–30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Hand Delivery: To Docket Operations, Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For more information on the notice and comment process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. Privacy: We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. For more information, see the Privacy Act discussion in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. Docket: To read background documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov at any time or to Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randall S. Fiertz, Director, Office of Airport Compliance and Management Analysis, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, telephone (202) 267–3085; facsimile: (202) 267–5257. E:\FR\FM\30JYP1.SGM 30JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 146 (Monday, July 30, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44513-44515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-18463]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0794; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-04-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. 
This proposed AD would require revising the Limitations section of the 
Rotorcraft flight Manual (RFM) to reduce the starter generator 
operating current to 180 amperes (amps) and installing a placard in the 
instrument panel indicating the revised limitation. This proposed AD is 
prompted by the determination that the manufacturer-installed Aircraft 
Parts Corporation (APC) starter generator has exceeded the shaft horse 
power extractions allowed for Turbomeca engines. The proposed actions 
are intended to prevent the engine surge margin being reduced, which 
can result in engine failure.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 28, 
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.
     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

[[Page 44514]]

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 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: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5110, fax (817) 
222-5961, email chinh.vuong@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. 
2006-0337, dated November 7, 2006, to correct an unsafe condition for 
the Eurocopter Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. EASA advises that 
the power drawn by an APC 200 amps starter generator from the engine is 
above the consumption capacity for the specified Eurocopter model 
helicopters. Excessive power consumption of the starter generator 
reduces the engine surge margin, which can result in engine failure.

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 unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs) No. 01.00.57 
for the Model AS350B3 helicopters and No. 04A002 for the Model EC130B4 
helicopters. Both ASBs are Revision 1 and both are dated September 14, 
2006. The ASBs specify defining the limitation for the APC 200-amp 
starter generator. EASA classified these ASBs as mandatory and issued 
AD No. 2006-0337, dated November 7, 2006, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within the next 100 hours time-in-
service (TIS), revising the Limitations section of the RFM to reduce 
the starter generator rating to 180 amps and installing a placard on 
the instrument panel below the vehicle engine multifunction display 
indicating the starter generator reduced limitation: ``MAXIMUM 
CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD 180A.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    We would require that this proposed AD be accomplished within 100 
hours TIS, rather than 110 flight hours or 12 months as stated in the 
EASA AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 363 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD: It would cost $21.25, assuming it 
takes 15 minutes to revise the RFM and install a placard on the 
instrument panel of each helicopter at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work hour, or $7,714 for the fleet.

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.

[[Page 44515]]

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-2012-0794; Directorate Identifier 
2006-SW-04-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters with an 
Aircraft Parts Corporation (APC) 200-ampere (amp) starter generator, 
part number (P/N) 200SGL130Q, installed, certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessive power 
consumption of the starter generator, which reduces the engine surge 
margin. This condition could result in engine failure 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

    Within the next 100 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Revise Paragraph 2, Limitations, of the Rotorcraft Flight 
Manual (RFM) Supplement 29 to reduce the maximum current of the 
starter generator to 180 amps Max. continuous.
    (2) Install a placard, 125 millimeters long by 10 millimeters 
wide, on the instrument panel below the vehicle engine multifunction 
display indicating the starter generator reduced limitation: 
``MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD = 180A.''

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal 
to: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5110, fax (817) 222-5961, 
email chinh.vuong@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.

(f) Additional Information

    (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletins No. 01.00.57 and No. 
04A002, both Revision 1, and both dated September 14, 2006, which 
are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information 
about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in 
this 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 copies of 
the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency AD No. 2006-0337, dated November 7, 2006.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Starter-Generator 
2435.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 20, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-18463 Filed 7-27-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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