Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 25367-25369 [2013-09437]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 84 / Wednesday, May 1, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
2013–08–19 Eurocopter France Helicopters:
Amendment 39–17437; Docket No.
FAA–2009–0951; Directorate Identifier
2007–SW–52–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France
(Eurocopter) Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3,
C, D, D1, AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N
helicopters, with sliding door premodification (MOD) 073298 or pre-MOD
073308, installed, certificated in any
category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in the rear roller support shaft (shaft)
or the rear fitting (fitting) of the sliding door.
This condition could result in loss of the
sliding door, which could come into contact
with the rotor system, leading to damage to
the helicopter and loss of helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective June 5, 2013.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless
accomplished previously.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
(e) Required Actions
(1) For a sliding door with less than 90
hours time-in-service (TIS), on or before
accumulating a total of 110 hours TIS,
conduct the visual and dye penetrant
inspections of the shaft and the fitting of the
sliding door for a crack by reference to Figure
1 and by following the Operational
Procedure, paragraph 2.B.1 and 2.B.2, of
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
05.00.47 dated July 19, 2006, for the Model
AS350 helicopters (ASB 05.00.47) or ASB
No. 05.00.45 dated July 19, 2006, for the
Model AS355 helicopters (ASB 05.00.45),
except you are not required to contact the
manufacturer.
(i) If no crack is found in the shaft or
fitting, reinstall the shaft on the fitting, fit the
spring pins, and plug the pin holes by
following the Operational Procedure,
paragraph 2.B.2. of ASB 05.00.47 or 05.00.45,
whichever is appropriate for your model
helicopter.
(ii) If you find a crack in the fitting, replace
the fitting with an airworthy fitting before
further flight.
(iii) If you find a crack in the shaft, replace
the shaft with an airworthy shaft before
further flight by reference to Figure 1 and by
following paragraph 2.B.3. of ASB 05.00.47
or 05.00.45, whichever is appropriate for
your model helicopter.
(2) For a sliding door with 90 or more
hours TIS, within the next 20 hours TIS, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours
TIS, conduct the visual and dye penetrant
inspections of the shaft and the fitting of the
sliding door for a crack by reference to Figure
1 and by following the Operational
Procedure, paragraph 2.B.1 and 2.B.2, of ASB
05.00.47 or ASB 05.00.45, whichever is
appropriate for your model helicopter, except
you are not required to contact the
manufacturer.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:02 Apr 30, 2013
Jkt 229001
25367
(i) If no crack is found in the shaft and
fitting, reinstall the shaft or fitting, fit the
spring pins, and plug the pin holes by
following the Operational Procedure,
paragraph 2.B.2. of ASB 05.00.47 or 05.00.45,
whichever is appropriate for your model
helicopter.
(ii) If you find a crack in the fitting, replace
the fitting with an airworthy fitting before
further flight.
(iii) If you find a crack in the shaft, replace
the shaft with an airworthy shaft before
further flight by reference to Figure 1 and by
following paragraph 2.B.3. of ASB 05.00.47
or 05.45, whichever is appropriate for your
model helicopter.
(3) After the effective date of this AD, do
not install any of the following parts on any
helicopter:
(i) Left-hand sliding door, part number (P/
N) 350A25–0030–00XX, 350A25–0120–
00XX, and 350AMR–0227–0052;
(ii) Right-hand sliding door, P/N 350A25–
0030–01XX, 350A25–0120–01XX, 350A25–
0120–03XX, and 350AMR–0227–0051;
(iii) Rail roller pin, P/N 350A25–1275–20;
and
(iv) Cast roller support fittings, P/N
350A25–1270–20 and P/N 350A25–1270–22.
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
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
(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.
Federal Aviation Administration
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency AD No.
2007–0236, dated August 31, 2007.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5344, Fuselage Door Hinges.
(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 France Alert Service Bulletin
No. 05.00.47, Revision 0, dated July 19, 2006.
(ii) Eurocopter France Alert Service
Bulletin No. 05.00.45, Revision 0, dated July
19, 2006.
(3) For Eurocopter France service
information identified in this AD, contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N.
Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 12,
2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–09436 Filed 4–30–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0631; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–021–AD; Amendment
39–17282; AD 2012–25–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with
certain Aerazur emergency flotation gear
attachment brackets (brackets) installed.
This AD requires an initial and
recurring inspection of the brackets for
a crack, and if there is a crack, replacing
the cracked bracket with an airworthy
bracket. This AD was prompted by
reports of cracks on the brackets. The
actions of this AD are intended to
prevent failure of the emergency
flotation system and loss of float
stability in the event of a water landing.
DATES: This AD is effective June 5, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of June 5, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact American
Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum
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01MYR1
25368
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 84 / Wednesday, May 1, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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.
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:
Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
robert.grant@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
Discussion
On June 18, 2012, at 77 FR 36216, 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 France Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with
a bracket, part number (P/N) 158172,
158173, 158288, or 158289, installed.
That NPRM proposed to require an
initial and recurring inspection of the
brackets for a crack, and if there was a
crack, replacing the cracked bracket
with an airworthy bracket. The
proposed requirements were intended to
prevent failure of the emergency
flotation system and loss of float
stability in the event of a water landing.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, issued EASA AD No. 2011–0072,
dated April 20, 2011 (AD 2011–0072), to
correct an unsafe condition for the
Eurocopter AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:02 Apr 30, 2013
Jkt 229001
AS355NP helicopters with Aerazur
emergency flotation gear attachments
installed. EASA stated it received
several reports of cracks being found on
the brackets which appear to be caused
by stress corrosion. This condition, if
not corrected, could result in ‘‘rupture
of the emergency flotation gear
attachment brackets’’ during a water
landing. The helicopter’s float stability
could no longer be ensured, possibly
resulting in damage to the helicopter
and injury to the occupants. EASA’s AD
requires an initial inspection of the
brackets, replacement of any brackets
found with cracks, and re-inspection of
the brackets every 13 months.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we received no comments on the NPRM
(77 FR 36216, June 18, 2012).
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 and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed except we are incorporating a
figure by reference instead of including
it in our AD to meet current publication
requirements. This change is consistent
with the intent of the proposals in the
NPRM (77 FR 36216, June 18, 2012) and
will not increase the economic burden
on any operator nor increase the scope
of the AD.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action.
Eurocopter is developing a modification
that will address the unsafe condition
identified in this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved,
and available, we might consider
additional rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
Differences between this AD and the
EASA AD include:
• The EASA AD applies to
Eurocopter Model AS 350 BB
helicopters. This AD does not as this
model is not type certificated by the
FAA. Additionally, the EASA AD
excludes Eurocopter Models AS350C
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
and AS350D1, whereas this AD includes
them.
• The EASA AD mandates different
compliance times depending on the
manufacture date of the helicopter. We
mandate inspecting all helicopters
within 110 hours TIS or 3 months,
whichever occurs first, regardless of
date of manufacture.
• This AD does not require returning
cracked brackets to the manufacturer.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350–05.00.63,
Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011, and
ASB No. AS355–05.00.58, Revision 1,
dated April 18, 2011. These ASBs
specify procedures to inspect the front
and rear brackets at regular intervals.
EASA classified these ASBs as
mandatory and issued EASA AD 2011–
0072 to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
733 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
labor rates will average $85 an hour.
Inspecting the brackets will take about
4 work-hours per inspection cycle for a
labor cost of $340 per helicopter and
$249,220 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing
the bracket, if needed, will require about
1 work-hour and about $1,130 for the
parts. Thus, the total cost to replace one
bracket will be about $1,215.
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
E:\FR\FM\01MYR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 84 / Wednesday, May 1, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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
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):
■
2012–25–01 Eurocopter France:
Amendment 39–17282; Docket No.
FAA–2012–0631; Directorate Identifier
2011–SW–021–AD.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D,
AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters
with an Aerazur emergency flotation gear
attachment bracket, part number 158172,
158173, 158288, or 158289, installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in an attachment bracket of the
emergency flotation gear. This condition
could result in failure of the emergency
flotation system and loss of float stability in
the event of a water landing.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective June 5, 2013.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:02 Apr 30, 2013
Jkt 229001
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless
accomplished previously.
(e) Required Actions
Within 110 hours time-in-service or 3
months, whichever occurs first, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 13
months:
(1) Using a 5X or higher power magnifying
glass, visually inspect the front emergency
floatation gear attachment bracket, section B–
B, item (e) in Areas F, G, and H of Figure 1
of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
AS350–05.00.63 or No. AS355–05.00.58, both
Revision 1, and both dated April 18, 2011, as
applicable to your model helicopter (ASB);
and the rear emergency flotation gear
attachment bracket, section A–A, item (a) in
Areas D and E of Figure 1 of the ASB, for a
crack.
(2) If there is a crack, replace the cracked
emergency floatation gear attachment bracket
with an airworthy emergency floatation gear
attachment bracket prior to reinstallation of
the emergency flotation equipment.
(f) 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, Safety Management
Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–
5110; 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
certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency AD No.
2011–0072, dated April 20, 2011.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2560, Emergency Equipment.
(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 (ASB)
No. AS350–05.00.63, Revision 1, dated April
18, 2011.
(ii) Eurocopter ASB No. AS355–05.00.58,
Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011.
(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)
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
25369
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
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 12,
2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–09437 Filed 4–30–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0936; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–269–AD; Amendment
39–17433; AD 2013–08–16]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–700
and –700C series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by reports of early fatigue
cracks at chem-mill areas on the crown
skin panels. This AD requires repetitive
inspections for cracking of the fuselage
skin at certain locations at chem-mill
areas, and repair if necessary. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct
fatigue cracking of the skin panel at the
specified chem-mill step locations,
which could result in rapid
decompression of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective June 5, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of June 5, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207;
telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1;
fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 1, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25367-25369]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09437]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0631; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-021-AD;
Amendment 39-17282; AD 2012-25-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters with certain Aerazur emergency flotation gear
attachment brackets (brackets) installed. This AD requires an initial
and recurring inspection of the brackets for a crack, and if there is a
crack, replacing the cracked bracket with an airworthy bracket. This AD
was prompted by reports of cracks on the brackets. The actions of this
AD are intended to prevent failure of the emergency flotation system
and loss of float stability in the event of a water landing.
DATES: This AD is effective June 5, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of June 5, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum
[[Page 25368]]
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.
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: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email robert.grant@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On June 18, 2012, at 77 FR 36216, 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 France
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D,
AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters with a bracket, part number (P/N) 158172, 158173, 158288,
or 158289, installed. That NPRM proposed to require an initial and
recurring inspection of the brackets for a crack, and if there was a
crack, replacing the cracked bracket with an airworthy bracket. The
proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of the emergency
flotation system and loss of float stability in the event of a water
landing.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD No.
2011-0072, dated April 20, 2011 (AD 2011-0072), to correct an unsafe
condition for the Eurocopter AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters with Aerazur emergency flotation gear attachments
installed. EASA stated it received several reports of cracks being
found on the brackets which appear to be caused by stress corrosion.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in ``rupture of the
emergency flotation gear attachment brackets'' during a water landing.
The helicopter's float stability could no longer be ensured, possibly
resulting in damage to the helicopter and injury to the occupants.
EASA's AD requires an initial inspection of the brackets, replacement
of any brackets found with cracks, and re-inspection of the brackets
every 13 months.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 36216, June 18,
2012).
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 and that air safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as proposed except we are incorporating a
figure by reference instead of including it in our AD to meet current
publication requirements. This change is consistent with the intent of
the proposals in the NPRM (77 FR 36216, June 18, 2012) and will not
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. Eurocopter is developing a
modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this
AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, we
might consider additional rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
Differences between this AD and the EASA AD include:
The EASA AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS 350 BB
helicopters. This AD does not as this model is not type certificated by
the FAA. Additionally, the EASA AD excludes Eurocopter Models AS350C
and AS350D1, whereas this AD includes them.
The EASA AD mandates different compliance times depending
on the manufacture date of the helicopter. We mandate inspecting all
helicopters within 110 hours TIS or 3 months, whichever occurs first,
regardless of date of manufacture.
This AD does not require returning cracked brackets to the
manufacturer.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-05.00.63,
Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011, and ASB No. AS355-05.00.58, Revision
1, dated April 18, 2011. These ASBs specify procedures to inspect the
front and rear brackets at regular intervals. EASA classified these
ASBs as mandatory and issued EASA AD 2011-0072 to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 733 helicopters of U.S.
Registry and that labor rates will average $85 an hour. Inspecting the
brackets will take about 4 work-hours per inspection cycle for a labor
cost of $340 per helicopter and $249,220 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing
the bracket, if needed, will require about 1 work-hour and about $1,130
for the parts. Thus, the total cost to replace one bracket will be
about $1,215.
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
[[Page 25369]]
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):
2012-25-01 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-17282; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0631; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-021-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with an Aerazur
emergency flotation gear attachment bracket, part number 158172,
158173, 158288, or 158289, installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in an attachment
bracket of the emergency flotation gear. This condition could result
in failure of the emergency flotation system and loss of float
stability in the event of a water landing.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective June 5, 2013.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless accomplished
previously.
(e) Required Actions
Within 110 hours time-in-service or 3 months, whichever occurs
first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 13 months:
(1) Using a 5X or higher power magnifying glass, visually
inspect the front emergency floatation gear attachment bracket,
section B-B, item (e) in Areas F, G, and H of Figure 1 of Eurocopter
Alert Service Bulletin No. AS350-05.00.63 or No. AS355-05.00.58,
both Revision 1, and both dated April 18, 2011, as applicable to
your model helicopter (ASB); and the rear emergency flotation gear
attachment bracket, section A-A, item (a) in Areas D and E of Figure
1 of the ASB, for a crack.
(2) If there is a crack, replace the cracked emergency
floatation gear attachment bracket with an airworthy emergency
floatation gear attachment bracket prior to reinstallation of the
emergency flotation equipment.
(f) 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, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 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
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency AD No. 2011-0072, dated April 20, 2011.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2560, Emergency
Equipment.
(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 (ASB) No. AS350-05.00.63,
Revision 1, dated April 18, 2011.
(ii) Eurocopter ASB No. AS355-05.00.58, Revision 1, dated April
18, 2011.
(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 (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 12, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-09437 Filed 4-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
