Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 58925-58930 [2012-23448]

Download as PDF 58925 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 77, No. 186 Tuesday, September 25, 2012 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–1018; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–052–AD; Amendment 39–17204; AD 2012–19–09] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N1, AS– 365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters to require visually inspecting the tail rotor hub (TRH) for a crack and removing the TRH if a crack exists. This AD is prompted by reports of cracks on two TRHs. These actions are intended to prevent the tail rotor from jamming, which could lead to reduced or loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD becomes effective October 10, 2012. We must receive comments on this AD by November 26, 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 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:11 Sep 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 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 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 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 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: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone 817–222–5328; email robert.grant@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, 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 them 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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments. Discussion We are adopting a new AD for Eurocopter EC 155B, EC155B1, SA– 365N1, AS–365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters. Eurocopter reported that a technician found cracks on the TRH during an inspection of a Model AS–365 helicopter equipped with a 10-blade TRH. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the TRH for a crack. Eurocopter initially required a visual inspection of the TRH every 110 hours, but reduced that requirement to 55 flight hours after cracks were found on a second hub. Eurocopter is investigating the cause of the cracks. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2011– 0144, dated July 26, 2011, to correct this unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N1, AS– 365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters. EASA states that if a TRH crack is not detected and corrected, the tail rotor could jam, leading to a reduction or loss of control of the helicopter. Pending further investigation, the EASA AD requires repetitive inspections of the TRH every 55 flight hours. EASA considers the actions in its AD to be interim measures and expects further AD actions will follow. 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 the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Related Service Information Following the report of cracks found on the TRH of a Model AS–365 helicopter, Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC 155– 05A021, Revision 0, dated April 11, 2011, for Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters, and ASB No. AS365– E:\FR\FM\25SER1.SGM 25SER1 58926 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 25, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 05.00.60, Revision 0, dated April 11, 2011, for Model SA–365N1, AS–365N2 and AS 365 N3 and some military helicopters. After a second report of TRH cracks, the ASBs were revised, dated July 20, 2011, to mandate and reduce the repetitive inspection interval from 110 flight hours to 55 flight hours. The ASBs call for visually inspecting the TRH for cracks and, if cracks are found, removing the TRH. EASA classified these ASBs as mandatory and issued AD No. 2011–0144 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. AD Requirements This AD requires visually inspecting the TRH for a crack within 55 hours time in service (TIS) and, if a crack exists, removing the TRH from service. This inspection must be repeated at intervals not to exceed 55 hours TIS. Interim Action We consider this AD to be an interim action because Eurocopter is investigating the cause of TRH cracks. If a final action is later identified, we might consider additional rulemaking. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 34 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs will average $85 a workhour. We expect that it will take 1 workhour to visually inspect the TRH for a crack, and that helicopters will average 5 inspections per year. Thus, we estimate a total annual cost of $425 per helicopter, and $14,450 for the U.S. operator fleet. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule, because the required corrective actions must be accomplished within 55 hours TIS, a very short time period based on the average utilization rate of the highest usage helicopter model. Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:11 Sep 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 issuing this AD are impractical and contrary to the public interest and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. 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 AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under 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 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. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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): ■ 2012–19–09 Eurocopter Helicopters: Amendment 39–17204; Docket No. FAA–2012–1018; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–052–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Eurocopter Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N1, AS–365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters, with a tail rotor hub (TRH) part number 365A33351100, 365A33351101, or 365A33351102 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the TRH that could lead to a tail rotor jam, and subsequent reduced or loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective October 10, 2012. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time. (e) Required Actions (1) Within 55 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 55 hours TIS, using a light, visually inspect the TRH for a crack in the entire area shown as Area C of the TRH (a) in Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. The inspection area is on the tail gearbox (TGB) side of the TRH. The TGB is shown as (c) in Figures 2 and 3 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. You must pay particular attention to the area around the screws, shown as (e) in Figure 3 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, and the TRH between the lower part of the TGB and its fairing, shown as (d) in Figures 2 and 3 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, using details D and E of Figure 3 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. You must turn the tail rotor by hand to inspect the entire Area C. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\25SER1.SGM 25SER1 VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:11 Sep 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\25SER1.SGM 25SER1 58927 ER25SE12.000</GPH> emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 25, 2012 / Rules and Regulations VerDate Mar<15>2010 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 25, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 13:11 Sep 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\25SER1.SGM 25SER1 ER25SE12.001</GPH> emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES 58928 (2) If there is a crack on the TRH, remove the TRH from service. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) Special Flight Permits (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham No special flight permits will be permitted. VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:11 Sep 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 58929 Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone 817–222–5328; email robert.grant@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 E:\FR\FM\25SER1.SGM 25SER1 ER25SE12.002</GPH> emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 25, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 58930 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 25, 2012 / Rules and Regulations certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS365–05.00.60, Revision 1, dated July 20, 2011, and Eurocopter ASB No. EC 155– 05A021, Revision 1, dated July 20, 2011, 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 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2011–0144, dated July 26, 2011. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6420, Tail Rotor Head. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 14, 2012. Lance T. Gant, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–23448 Filed 9–24–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 15 CFR Part 902 50 CFR Part 660 [Docket No. 120614172–2395–01] RIN 0648–BC29 Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Announcing OMB Approval of Information Collection National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Final rule; effective date of OMB control numbers. AGENCY: This rule provides notice of the approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and resulting effectiveness of the collectionof-information requirements published by NMFS on July 2, 1996. OMB approved the collection-of-information requirements in April 2001, and extended that approval in September emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:11 Sep 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 2001, November 2004, April 2008, and July 2011. DATES: The amendments in this rule are effective October 25, 2012. The collection-of-information requirements in § 660.404, published on July 2, 1996 (61 FR 34570), are effective October 25, 2012. OMB approves the collection-ofinformation requirements in § 660.408, published on July 2, 1996 (61 FR 34570), as of October 25, 2012. ADDRESSES: This final rule is also accessible on the Web site of NMFS’ Northwest Region (https:// www.nwr.noaa.gov). Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other aspects of the collection-ofinformation requirements contained in this final rule may be submitted to William W. Stelle, Jr., Regional Administrator, Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115–0070. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peggy Mundy, Northwest Region Salmon Management Division, NMFS, 206–526–4323. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS published a final rule on July 2, 1996 (61 FR 34570) that consolidated several parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) into a new CFR part 660 containing regulations for implementing management measures for fisheries operating in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off West Coast states. This new part 660 included a collection of information associated with recordkeeping and reporting requirements regulations at § 660.404 and § 660.408(o). This collection was previously associated with regulations at § 661.4 and § 661.20, under OMB control number 0648–0222. The 1996 rule stated that OMB approval under control number 0648–0222 had expired and that NMFS was in the process of obtaining OMB approval for the collection of information under the new regulations. This final rule announces OMB approval and effectiveness of the collection of information associated with regulations at § 660.404 and § 660.408(o). Initial approval of these regulations in their current location in the Code of Federal regulations occurred on April 25, 2001 under OMB control number 048–0433. OMB extended this approval on September 28, 2001, November 29, 2004, April 8, 2008, and July 8, 2011. The current approval expires on July 31, 2014. Classification This rule makes effective a collection of information requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 collection of this information has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0648–433. Based on the management regime specified each year, designated regulatory areas in the commercial ocean salmon fishery off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California may be managed by numerical quotas. To accurately assess catches relative to quota attainment during the fishing season, catch data by regulatory area must be collected in a timely manner. The requirements to land salmon within specific time frames and in specific areas may be implemented in the preseason regulations to aid in timely and accurate catch accounting for a regulatory area. State landing systems normally gather the data at the time of landing. If unsafe weather conditions or mechanical problems prevent compliance with landing requirements, fishermen need an alternative to allow for a safe response. Fishermen would be exempt from landing requirements if the appropriate notifications are made to provide the name of the vessel, the port where delivery will be made, the approximate amount of salmon (by species) on board, and the estimated time of arrival. These reports are generally made via at-sea radio, cellular phone transmissions, or other electronic communication. The annual reporting burden to the public is estimated at 10 hours, based on an estimated 15 minutes per response. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior notice and opportunity for public comment for this action because notice and comment would be unnecessary and contrary to the public interest. This action simply provides notice of OMB’s approval of the reporting requirements at issue, which has already occurred, and renders those requirements effective. Thus this action does not involve any further exercise of agency discretion and no comment received at this time would impact any decision by NOAA or OMB. In addition, the public has had the opportunity to comment on both the substance of the reporting requirements, at the time NOAA adopted them, and on NOAA’s requests for extension of OMB’s approval. The reporting requirements at issue were detailed in proposed rules on which NOAA accepted public comment. The reporting provisions in 50 CFR 660.404(a) were initially published at 49 FR 32414–01 (August 14, 1984), with comments accepted until September 21, 1984, and published as a final rule at 49 FR 43679–02 (October 31, 1984). The E:\FR\FM\25SER1.SGM 25SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 25, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58925-58930]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23448]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 25, 2012 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 58925]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1018; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-052-AD; 
Amendment 39-17204; AD 2012-19-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N1, AS-
365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters to require visually inspecting the tail 
rotor hub (TRH) for a crack and removing the TRH if a crack exists. 
This AD is prompted by reports of cracks on two TRHs. These actions are 
intended to prevent the tail rotor from jamming, which could lead to 
reduced or loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 10, 2012.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 26, 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 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 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 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: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone 817-222-5328; email 
robert.grant@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, 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 them 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 rulemaking during the 
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may 
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

    We are adopting a new AD for Eurocopter EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N1, 
AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters. Eurocopter reported that a 
technician found cracks on the TRH during an inspection of a Model AS-
365 helicopter equipped with a 10-blade TRH. This AD requires 
repetitive visual inspections of the TRH for a crack. Eurocopter 
initially required a visual inspection of the TRH every 110 hours, but 
reduced that requirement to 55 flight hours after cracks were found on 
a second hub. Eurocopter is investigating the cause of the cracks.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
No. 2011-0144, dated July 26, 2011, to correct this unsafe condition 
for Eurocopter Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N1, AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 
helicopters. EASA states that if a TRH crack is not detected and 
corrected, the tail rotor could jam, leading to a reduction or loss of 
control of the helicopter. Pending further investigation, the EASA AD 
requires repetitive inspections of the TRH every 55 flight hours. EASA 
considers the actions in its AD to be interim measures and expects 
further AD actions will follow.

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 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs.

Related Service Information

    Following the report of cracks found on the TRH of a Model AS-365 
helicopter, Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC 155-
05A021, Revision 0, dated April 11, 2011, for Model EC 155B and EC155B1 
helicopters, and ASB No. AS365-

[[Page 58926]]

05.00.60, Revision 0, dated April 11, 2011, for Model SA-365N1, AS-
365N2 and AS 365 N3 and some military helicopters. After a second 
report of TRH cracks, the ASBs were revised, dated July 20, 2011, to 
mandate and reduce the repetitive inspection interval from 110 flight 
hours to 55 flight hours.
    The ASBs call for visually inspecting the TRH for cracks and, if 
cracks are found, removing the TRH. EASA classified these ASBs as 
mandatory and issued AD No. 2011-0144 to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these helicopters.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires visually inspecting the TRH for a crack within 55 
hours time in service (TIS) and, if a crack exists, removing the TRH 
from service. This inspection must be repeated at intervals not to 
exceed 55 hours TIS.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action because Eurocopter is 
investigating the cause of TRH cracks. If a final action is later 
identified, we might consider additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 34 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry and that labor costs will average $85 a work-hour. We expect 
that it will take 1 work-hour to visually inspect the TRH for a crack, 
and that helicopters will average 5 inspections per year. Thus, we 
estimate a total annual cost of $425 per helicopter, and $14,450 for 
the U.S. operator fleet.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that 
the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment 
prior to the adoption of this rule, because the required corrective 
actions must be accomplished within 55 hours TIS, a very short time 
period based on the average utilization rate of the highest usage 
helicopter model.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impractical and contrary to 
the public interest and that good cause exists for making this 
amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2012-19-09 Eurocopter Helicopters: Amendment 39-17204; Docket No. 
FAA-2012-1018; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-052-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N1, 
AS-365N2 and AS 365 N3 helicopters, with a tail rotor hub (TRH) part 
number 365A33351100, 365A33351101, or 365A33351102 installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the TRH that 
could lead to a tail rotor jam, and subsequent reduced or loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 10, 2012.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 55 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 55 hours TIS, using a light, visually 
inspect the TRH for a crack in the entire area shown as Area C of 
the TRH (a) in Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. The 
inspection area is on the tail gearbox (TGB) side of the TRH. The 
TGB is shown as (c) in Figures 2 and 3 to paragraph (e)(1) of this 
AD. You must pay particular attention to the area around the screws, 
shown as (e) in Figure 3 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, and the TRH 
between the lower part of the TGB and its fairing, shown as (d) in 
Figures 2 and 3 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, using details D and 
E of Figure 3 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. You must turn the tail 
rotor by hand to inspect the entire Area C.
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    (2) If there is a crack on the TRH, remove the TRH from service.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    No special flight permits will be permitted.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone 817-222-5328; email 
robert.grant@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

[[Page 58930]]

certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS365-05.00.60, 
Revision 1, dated July 20, 2011, and Eurocopter ASB No. EC 155-
05A021, Revision 1, dated July 20, 2011, 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 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 European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2011-0144, dated July 26, 2011.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6420, Tail Rotor 
Head.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 14, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-23448 Filed 9-24-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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