Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 18230-18232 [2013-06133]

Download as PDF 18230 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 58 / Tuesday, March 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor System. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S–5, dated July 26, 2006; (ii) Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP–70, dated July 27, 2006; (iii) Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109K–47, dated July 27, 2006; (iv) Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109–122, dated July 27, 2006; and (v) Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 119–15, dated July 27, 2006. (3) For Agusta service information identified in this AD, contact Agusta Westland, Customer Support & Services, Via Per Tornavento 15, 21019 Somma Lombardo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39 (0331) 711133; fax 39 (0331) 711180; or at https:// www.agustawestland.com/technicalbullettins. (4) You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (5) You may also view this service information at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/ cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 7, 2013. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–06131 Filed 3–25–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0772; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–053–AD; Amendment 39–17393; AD 2013–05–21] RIN 2120–AA64 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Mar 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC130 B4 helicopters with a cabin vibration damper installed. This AD requires installing a vibration damper casing assembly on both sides of the helicopter. This AD was prompted by a crack and failure of a cabin vibration damper blade. The actions of this AD are intended to modify the cabin vibration damper assembly to prevent contact with the flight controls in the event of a cabin vibration blade failure, jamming of a flight control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of April 30, 2013. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this 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. 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, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– 647–5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email gary.b.roach@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On July 26, 2012, at 77 FR 43738, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Eurocopter Model EC130 B4 helicopters PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 with a cabin vibration damper installed, except those modified in accordance with Modification 073565. That NPRM proposed to require installing a vibration damper casing assembly on both sides of the helicopter. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent contact with the flight controls in the event of a cabin vibration blade failure, jamming of a flight control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2006–0278, dated September 7, 2006 (AD 2006– 0278), to correct an unsafe condition for the Eurocopter Model EC130 B4 helicopter. EASA advises of a cracked cabin vibration damper blade, which could lead to jamming of a flight control. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (77 FR 43738, July 26, 2012). FAA’s Determination This helicopter has been approved by the aviation authority of France and is 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 this same type design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires two daily visual inspections for cracks in the blade of each cabin vibration damper and replacement of a blade if there is a crack; this AD does not. The EASA AD requires compliance by a calendar date. This AD requires compliance within 100 hours time-in-service. Related Service Information Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 53A008, Revision 0, dated July 19, 2006 (ASB 53A008), which supersedes ASB No. 05A002, Revision 0, dated July 18, 2006, and specifies installing a cabin vibration damper containment device. EASA classified ASB 53A008 as mandatory and issued AD 2006–0278 to ensure the E:\FR\FM\26MRR1.SGM 26MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 58 / Tuesday, March 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations continued airworthiness of these helicopters. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 122 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. • $340 for 4 work-hours to install a vibration damper casing assembly at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, • $1,500 for required parts per helicopter, and • $224,480 total cost 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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Regulatory Findings 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 above, 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Mar 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 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 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): ■ 2013–05–21 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39–17393; Docket No. FAA–2012–0772; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–053–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model EC130 B4 helicopters with a cabin vibration damper installed, except those modified in accordance with Modification 073565, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a cracked cabin vibration damper blade. This condition could result in failure of the blade, jamming of the flight controls, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 30, 2013. (d) 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. (e) Required Actions Within the next 100 hours time-in-service: (1) For helicopters that have not been modified in accordance with Modification 073521 or Modification 073525, install a vibration damper casing assembly on both sides of the helicopter by following paragraphs 2.B.2.a and 2.B.5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A008, dated July 19, 2006 (ASB 53A008). (2) For helicopters that have been modified in accordance with Modification 073521 either at the time of manufacture or pursuant to Eurocopter Service Bulletin (SB) No. 53– 006, Revision 1, dated September 30, 2004; or Modification 073525 either at the time of manufacture or pursuant to Eurocopter SB No. 53–007, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2007, install a vibration damper casing assembly on both sides of the helicopter by following paragraphs 2.B.3.a, 2.B.3.b, and 2.B.5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of ASB 53A008. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 18231 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email gary.b.roach@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. (g) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter SB No. 53–006, Revision 1, dated September 30, 2004; SB No. 53–007, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2007; and Alert SB No. 05A002, Revision 0, dated July 18, 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 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 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 AD No. 2006–0278, dated September 7, 2006. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1810, Helicopter Vibration Analysis. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A008, dated July 19, 2006. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this 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. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call E:\FR\FM\26MRR1.SGM 26MRR1 18232 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 58 / Tuesday, March 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations (202) 741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 7, 2013. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–06133 Filed 3–25–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0179; Airspace Docket No. 05–AGL–6] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of VOR Federal Airway V– 233, Springfield, IL Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule, technical amendment. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V–233 in the vicinity of Springfield, IL. The FAA is taking this action to correct the V–233 description contained in Part 71 to ensure it matches the information contained in the FAA’s aeronautical database, matches the depiction on the associated charts, and ensures the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS). DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC March 26, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Airspace Policy and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Mission Support Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES History After a recent review of aeronautical data, the Aeronautical Navigation Products Group identified the VOR Federal airway V–233 description did not match the airway information contained in the FAA’s aeronautical database or the charted depiction of the airway. When V–233 was amended in the Federal Register of August 8, 2005 (70 FR 45527), the airway was realigned VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Mar 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 to reflect a radial change due to the relocation of the Spinner VHF Omnidirectional Range Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid. However, the final rule erroneously used the magnetic radial information from the Spinner VORTAC to describe the fix between the Spinner VORTAC and the Roberts VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aids instead of the true radial information that should have been used. The FAA aeronautical database contains the correct radial information for describing the airway fix between the Spinner VORTAC and Roberts VOR/ DME in the airway description and the associated aeronautical charts remain published correctly. To overcome any confusion or flight safety issues associated with conflicting airway description information being published, the FAA is amending the V– 233 legal description to reflect the correct Spinner VORTAC radial information. The Rule The FAA amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by amending the legal description of VOR Federal airway V–233 in the vicinity of Springfield, IL. Specifically, the FAA amends V–233 to reflect the true radial information from the Spinner VORTAC (061° radial) to describe the fix between the Spinner VORTAC and Roberts VOR/ DME navigation aids; thus, matching the information currently contained in the FAA’s aeronautical database and the charted depiction of the airway. VOR Federal airways are listed in paragraph 6010 of FAA Order 7400.9W dated August 8, 2012, and effective September 15, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal airway listed in this document will be revised subsequently in the Order. Accordingly, since this is an administrative correction to update the V–233 description to be in concert with the FAA’s aeronautical database and charting, notice and public procedures under Title 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary. The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. Therefore, this regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it amends an existing VOR Federal airway within the NAS. Environmental Review The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with 311a, FAA Order 1050.1E, ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures.’’ This airspace action is not expected to cause any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). Adoption of the Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows: PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS 1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959– 1963 Comp., p. 389. § 71.1 [Amended] 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9W, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 8, 2012, and ■ E:\FR\FM\26MRR1.SGM 26MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 58 (Tuesday, March 26, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18230-18232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-06133]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0772; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-053-AD; 
Amendment 39-17393; AD 2013-05-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC130 B4 helicopters with a cabin 
vibration damper installed. This AD requires installing a vibration 
damper casing assembly on both sides of the helicopter. This AD was 
prompted by a crack and failure of a cabin vibration damper blade. The 
actions of this AD are intended to modify the cabin vibration damper 
assembly to prevent contact with the flight controls in the event of a 
cabin vibration blade failure, jamming of a flight control, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of April 30, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this 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.

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, any incorporated-by-reference 
service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-
140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
gary.b.roach@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On July 26, 2012, at 77 FR 43738, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Eurocopter Model EC130 
B4 helicopters with a cabin vibration damper installed, except those 
modified in accordance with Modification 073565. That NPRM proposed to 
require installing a vibration damper casing assembly on both sides of 
the helicopter. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent 
contact with the flight controls in the event of a cabin vibration 
blade failure, jamming of a flight control, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD No. 
2006-0278, dated September 7, 2006 (AD 2006-0278), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the Eurocopter Model EC130 B4 helicopter. EASA advises of 
a cracked cabin vibration damper blade, which could lead to jamming of 
a flight control.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (77 FR 43738, 
July 26, 2012).

FAA's Determination

    This helicopter has been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and is 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 this same 
type design and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires two daily visual inspections for cracks in the 
blade of each cabin vibration damper and replacement of a blade if 
there is a crack; this AD does not. The EASA AD requires compliance by 
a calendar date. This AD requires compliance within 100 hours time-in-
service.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 53A008, 
Revision 0, dated July 19, 2006 (ASB 53A008), which supersedes ASB No. 
05A002, Revision 0, dated July 18, 2006, and specifies installing a 
cabin vibration damper containment device. EASA classified ASB 53A008 
as mandatory and issued AD 2006-0278 to ensure the

[[Page 18231]]

continued airworthiness of these helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 122 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD.
     $340 for 4 work-hours to install a vibration damper casing 
assembly at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour,
     $1,500 for required parts per helicopter, and
     $224,480 total cost 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 helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    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 above, 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):

2013-05-21 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-17393; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0772; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-053-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC130 B4 helicopters with a cabin 
vibration damper installed, except those modified in accordance with 
Modification 073565, certificated in any category.

 (b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a cracked cabin 
vibration damper blade. This condition could result in failure of 
the blade, jamming of the flight controls, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 30, 2013.

(d) 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.

(e) Required Actions

    Within the next 100 hours time-in-service:
    (1) For helicopters that have not been modified in accordance 
with Modification 073521 or Modification 073525, install a vibration 
damper casing assembly on both sides of the helicopter by following 
paragraphs 2.B.2.a and 2.B.5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A008, dated July 19, 2006 
(ASB 53A008).
    (2) For helicopters that have been modified in accordance with 
Modification 073521 either at the time of manufacture or pursuant to 
Eurocopter Service Bulletin (SB) No. 53-006, Revision 1, dated 
September 30, 2004; or Modification 073525 either at the time of 
manufacture or pursuant to Eurocopter SB No. 53-007, Revision 1, 
dated February 19, 2007, install a vibration damper casing assembly 
on both sides of the helicopter by following paragraphs 2.B.3.a, 
2.B.3.b, and 2.B.5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of ASB 53A008.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email gary.b.roach@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.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Eurocopter SB No. 53-006, Revision 1, dated September 30, 
2004; SB No. 53-007, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2007; and Alert 
SB No. 05A002, Revision 0, dated July 18, 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 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 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 AD No. 2006-0278, dated September 7, 2006.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1810, Helicopter 
Vibration Analysis.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 53A008, dated July 19, 
2006.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call

[[Page 18232]]

(202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 7, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-06133 Filed 3-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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