Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 51048-51050 [2013-19159]
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51048
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 20, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
institutions and their employees with
the requirements of the S.A.F.E. Act and
its implementing regulations pursuant
to its authorities under the Farm Credit
Act of 1971 and sections 1024(f) and
1027(k) of the Dodd-Frank Act.
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II. Administrative Procedure Act
The Administrative Procedure Act
(APA) 15 generally requires Federal
agencies to give public notice that it is
proposing to adopt, amend, or repeal a
regulation, and then afford all interested
parties an opportunity to comment
before promulgating a final rule.
However, a provision of the APA 16
authorizes waiver of notice and
comment rulemaking when an agency,
for good cause, finds that notice and
comment are impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.
The FCA finds good cause for waiving
notice and comment in this situation.
Section 1100 of the Dodd-Frank Act
amended section 1507 of the S.A.F.E.
Act by granting the CFPB authority to
develop and maintain the Registry that
the FCA and the Federal banking
agencies previously exercised. Since the
FCA and Federal banking agencies
implemented the S.A.F.E. Act by jointly
enacting regulations, the CFPB assumed
responsibility for these regulations, by
operation of law, on July 21, 2011. The
CFPB is now exercising its new
authority under title X of the DoddFrank Act by consolidating and
recodifying the S.A.F.E. Act regulations
of the FCA and the Federal banking
agencies without substantive change.
Under the circumstances, repeal of the
FCA’s regulations in part 610 conforms
with title X of the Dodd-Frank Act. For
these reasons, the FCA finds that notice
and comment rulemaking procedures
for the repeal of the FCA’s regulations
in part 610 are impractical, unnecessary,
and contrary to the public interest
because the CFPB, not the FCA, now has
primary rulemaking authority over
S.A.F.E. Act, which the CFPB is now
exercising.
Although notice and comment
rulemaking is not required in this
situation, we invite your comments. We
will respond to any comments we
receive when we publish the final rule.
III. Regulatory Flexibility Act
Pursuant to section 605(b) of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601
et seq.), the FCA certifies that the
interim rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Each of the
15 5
16 5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.
U.S.C. 553(b).
VerDate Mar<15>2010
22:41 Aug 19, 2013
Jkt 229001
banks in the System, considered
together with its affiliated associations,
has assets and annual income in excess
of the amounts that would qualify them
as small entities. Therefore, System
institutions are not ‘‘small entities’’ as
defined in the Regulatory Flexibility
Act.
List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 610
Banks, banking, Consumer protection,
Loan programs—housing and
community development, Mortgages,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Rural areas.
■ For the reasons stated in the preamble,
part 610 of chapter VI, title 12 of the
Code of Federal Regulations is revised
to read as follows:
PART 610—REGISTRATION OF
MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS
Authority: Secs. 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11,
1.13, 2.2, 2.4, 2.12, 5.9, 5.17, 7.2, 7.6, 7.8 of
the Farm Credit Act (12 U.S.C. 2013, 2015,
2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2073, 2075, 2093,
2243, 2252, 2279a–2, 2279b, 2279c–10); and
secs. 1501 et seq. of Pub. L. 110–289, 122
Stat. 2654.
§ 610.101
Cross reference.
The rules formerly at 12 CFR part 610
have been recodified by the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau at 12 CFR
part 1007, ‘‘S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing
Act—Federal Registration of Residential
Mortgage Loan Originators (Regulation
G)’’.
Dated: August 14, 2013.
Dale L. Aultman,
Secretary, Farm Credit Administration Board.
[FR Doc. 2013–20276 Filed 8–19–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6705–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0353; Directorate
Identifier 2008–SW–029–AD; Amendment
39–17545; AD 2013–16–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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This AD is effective September
24, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of September 24, 2013.
DATES:
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.
ADDRESSES:
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 foreign authority’s AD,
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.
Gary
Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
gary.b.roach@faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model
AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2,
and EC225LP helicopters to require
inspecting for the presence of blind
SUMMARY:
holes in the tail gearbox (TGB)
attachment fittings, and, if they are
missing, installing an additional washer
under the head of the attachment bolt
until the attachment fitting is replaced
with an airworthy attachment fitting.
This AD was prompted by the discovery
of interference between the TGB aft
attachment bolt and the structure fitting,
caused by a manufacturing anomaly that
omitted the blind hole required for
proper fit of the attachment bolt. This
condition, if not detected and corrected,
could result in insufficient tightening of
the TGB casing, damage to the TGB
attachment, cracking under the
attachment bolt, and loss of the TGB,
resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 20, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
Discussion
On April 22, 2013, at 78 FR 23686, 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 AS332C, AS332L,
AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP
helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) up to
and including 2680 and S/N 9000
through 9009. The NPRM proposed to
require inspecting for the presence of
blind holes in the TGB attachment
fittings, and, if they are missing,
installing an additional washer under
the head of the attachment bolt until the
attachment fitting is replaced with an
airworthy attachment fitting. The
proposed requirements were intended to
prevent insufficient tightening of the
TGB casing, damage to the TGB
attachment, cracking under the
attachment bolt, and loss of the TGB,
resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
F–2007–027, dated January 2, 2008 (F–
2007–027), issued by the Direction
´ ´
Generale de L’Aviation Civile France
(DGAC), the aviation authority for
France. DGAC issued F–2007–027 to
correct an unsafe condition for certain
Eurocopter AS332 series and EC225 LP
helicopters. The DGAC advises that
during a scheduled maintenance check,
a helicopter was discovered to have
interference between the threaded
section of the aft attachment bolt and
the structure fitting. The interference is
because of a manufacturing anomaly in
the fittings that omitted the blind hole
for bolt clearance in the structure fitting.
Interference from this missing blind
hole does not permit correct axial
tightening of the TGB casing, even if the
correct torque load is applied to the
attachment bolt. Insufficient tightening
of the bolt can damage the TGB
attachment and initiate a crack under
the head of the attachment bolt. This
condition, if not corrected, could result
in loss of the TGB and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we received no comments on the NPRM
(78 FR 23686, April 22, 2013).
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FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of France and
are approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with France, DGAC, which is
the production oversight authority for
France, has notified us of the unsafe
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Jkt 229001
condition described in its AD. We are
issuing this AD because we evaluated
all information provided by the DGAC
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.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued one Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin (EASB), Revision
1, dated January 4, 2008, with four
different numbers. EASB No. 53.01.58 is
for the Model AS332 series helicopters;
EASB No. 53.00.58 is for the Model
AS532 series helicopters, which are not
FAA type certificated; EASB No.
53A012 is for the Model EC225LP
helicopter; and EASB No. 53A011 is for
the Model EC 725AP helicopter, which
is not FAA type certificated. The EASB
specifies inspecting the forward and aft
attachment fittings for proper depth of
the bolt holes. If the bolt holes are less
than the minimum depth, the EASB
specifies checking the condition of the
bolt. If there are no signs of chafing or
contact, the EASB calls for adding an
additional washer to the bolt and
reinstalling the bolt in the TGB
attachment fitting. If there are signs of
chafing or contact, the EASB requires
replacing the bolt with an airworthy bolt
and two washers. The DGAC classified
this EASB as mandatory and issued F–
2007–027 to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects six
helicopters of U.S. registry. Based on an
average estimated labor cost of $85 per
work-hour, we estimate the following
costs:
• Inspecting the TGB for the presence
of a blind hole requires 0.50 work-hour
for a labor cost of about $43. No parts
are needed, so the cost totals $43 per
helicopter, or $258 for the fleet.
• Replacing bolts and adding a
second washer if needed requires 0.50
work-hour for a labor cost of about $43.
Parts cost about $200 for three
replacement bolts and the washers for a
total cost of $243 per helicopter.
• Replacing the TGB attachment
fitting with an airworthy fitting requires
40 work-hours for a labor cost of $3,400.
Parts cost about $1,921 for a total cost
of $5,321 per helicopter.
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:
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51049
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
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):
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51050
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 20, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
2013–16–07 Eurocopter France Helicopters:
Amendment 39–17545; Docket No.
FAA–2013–0353; Directorate Identifier
2008–SW–029–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France
(Eurocopter) models AS332C, AS332L,
AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP
helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) up to and
including 2680 and S/N 9000 through 9009,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
interference between the tail gearbox (TGB)
attachment bolt and the structure fitting. This
condition could result in insufficient
tightening of the TGB casing, damage to the
TGB attachment, cracking under the
attachment bolt, loss of the TGB and
consequently, loss of helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 24,
2013.
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(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 50 hours time-in-service (TIS):
(1) Inspect the TGB aft attachment fitting
to measure the dimension for a blind hole as
follows:
(i) Remove the TGB attachment bolt (c) but
retain washer (d) as depicted in Detail A,
Figure 1, of Eurocopter Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 53.01.58 and
EASB No. 53A012, both Revision 1, and both
dated January 4, 2008.
(ii) Use a depth gauge to measure
dimension ‘‘x’’ between the top face of the
washer (d) and the bottom of aft fitting (a) as
depicted in Detail A, Figure 1, of the EASB.
(2) If the measurement is equal to or greater
than 81 mm, then the blind hole is present.
Install the TGB attachment bolt (c) with its
washer (d) as depicted in Detail A, Figure 1,
of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock
with lockwire.
(3) If the measurement is less than 81 mm,
then the blind hole is missing. Inspect the
end of the threaded section of bolt (c) for
chafing or a contact mark, as depicted in
Area 1, Figure 1, of the EASB.
(i) If there is no chafing and no contact
marks, install bolt (c) with washer (d) and
additional washer (2) as depicted in Detail B,
Figure 1, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No.
53A012.
(ii) If there is chafing or a contact mark,
replace the TGB attachment bolt (c) with an
airworthy bolt and install with washer (d)
and additional washer (2) as depicted in
Detail B, Figure 1, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or
No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
(iii) Within the next 825 hours TIS, replace
the TGB aft attachment fitting with an
airworthy attachment fitting.
(4) Inspect the right and left attachment
points of the TGB forward attachment to
measure the dimension for a blind hole, as
follows:
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22:41 Aug 19, 2013
Jkt 229001
(i) Remove both TGB attachment bolts (c)
but retain washers (d), as depicted in Detail
A, Figure 2, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No.
53A012.
(ii) Use a depth gauge to measure
dimension ‘‘x’’ between the top face of
washer (d) and the bottom of forward fitting
(b) at the right and left attachment points, as
depicted in Detail A, Figure 2, of EASB No.
53.01.58 or No. 53A012.
(5) If both measurements are equal to or
greater than 81 mm, then the blind hole is
present. Install TGB attachment bolt (c) with
its washer (d), as depicted in Detail A, Figure
2, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock
with lockwire.
(6) If one or both measurements are less
than 81 mm, then the blind hole is missing.
Inspect the end of the threaded section of
each bolt (c) for chafing or a contact mark,
as depicted in Area 1, Figure 2 of EASB No.
53.01.58 or No. 53A012.
(i) If there is no chafing and no contact
marks, for each attachment point, install bolt
(c) with washer (d) and additional washer (2),
as depicted in Detail B, Figure 2, of EASB No.
53.01.58 or No. 53A012.
(ii) If there is chafing or a contact mark,
replace each the TGB attachment bolt (c)
with an airworthy bolt and install bolt (1)
with washer (d) and additional washer (2), as
depicted in Detail B, Figure 2, of EASB No.
53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
(iii) Within the next 825 hours TIS, replace
the TGB forward attachment fitting with an
airworthy attachment fitting.
(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, TX 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
The subject of this AD is addressed in the
´ ´
Direction Generale de L’Aviation Civile
(DGAC) France AD No F–2007–027, dated
January 2, 2008. You may view the DGAC AD
in the AD Docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox.
(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.
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(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Eurocopter EASB No. 53.01.58, Revision
1, dated January 4, 2008.
(ii) Eurocopter EASB No. 53A012, Revision
1, dated January 4, 2008.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Eurocopter
EASB No. 53.01.58 and No. 53A012, both
Revision 1, and both dated January 4, 2008,
are co-published as one document along with
Eurocopter EASB No. 53.00.58 and No.
53A011, also both Revision 1, and both dated
January 4, 2008, which are not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
(3) For Eurocopter 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.
(4) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference in the AD
Docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
(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 July 31,
2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–19159 Filed 8–19–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0297; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–205–AD; Amendment
39–17550; AD 2013–16–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
Inc. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC–8–102,
–103, and –106 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report of cracking in a
lower longeron in a nacelle. This AD
requires repetitive inspections for
cracking of the lower longerons in the
nacelles, and replacement with new
longerons or repair if necessary.
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 20, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51048-51050]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19159]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0353; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-029-AD;
Amendment 39-17545; AD 2013-16-07]
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 certain
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2,
and EC225LP helicopters to require inspecting for the presence of blind
holes in the tail gearbox (TGB) attachment fittings, and, if they are
missing, installing an additional washer under the head of the
attachment bolt until the attachment fitting is replaced with an
airworthy attachment fitting. This AD was prompted by the discovery of
interference between the TGB aft attachment bolt and the structure
fitting, caused by a manufacturing anomaly that omitted the blind hole
required for proper fit of the attachment bolt. This condition, if not
detected and corrected, could result in insufficient tightening of the
TGB casing, damage to the TGB attachment, cracking under the attachment
bolt, and loss of the TGB, resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective September 24, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of September 24,
2013.
ADDRESSES: 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.
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 foreign authority's AD, 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, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
gary.b.roach@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 51049]]
Discussion
On April 22, 2013, at 78 FR 23686, 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
AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, serial
numbers (S/N) up to and including 2680 and S/N 9000 through 9009. The
NPRM proposed to require inspecting for the presence of blind holes in
the TGB attachment fittings, and, if they are missing, installing an
additional washer under the head of the attachment bolt until the
attachment fitting is replaced with an airworthy attachment fitting.
The proposed requirements were intended to prevent insufficient
tightening of the TGB casing, damage to the TGB attachment, cracking
under the attachment bolt, and loss of the TGB, resulting in loss of
control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. F-2007-027, dated January 2, 2008
(F-2007-027), issued by the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de
L'Aviation Civile France (DGAC), the aviation authority for France.
DGAC issued F-2007-027 to correct an unsafe condition for certain
Eurocopter AS332 series and EC225 LP helicopters. The DGAC advises that
during a scheduled maintenance check, a helicopter was discovered to
have interference between the threaded section of the aft attachment
bolt and the structure fitting. The interference is because of a
manufacturing anomaly in the fittings that omitted the blind hole for
bolt clearance in the structure fitting. Interference from this missing
blind hole does not permit correct axial tightening of the TGB casing,
even if the correct torque load is applied to the attachment bolt.
Insufficient tightening of the bolt can damage the TGB attachment and
initiate a crack under the head of the attachment bolt. This condition,
if not corrected, could result in loss of the TGB and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 23686, April
22, 2013).
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, DGAC, which is the production
oversight authority for France, has notified us of the unsafe condition
described in its AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all
information provided by the DGAC 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.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB),
Revision 1, dated January 4, 2008, with four different numbers. EASB
No. 53.01.58 is for the Model AS332 series helicopters; EASB No.
53.00.58 is for the Model AS532 series helicopters, which are not FAA
type certificated; EASB No. 53A012 is for the Model EC225LP helicopter;
and EASB No. 53A011 is for the Model EC 725AP helicopter, which is not
FAA type certificated. The EASB specifies inspecting the forward and
aft attachment fittings for proper depth of the bolt holes. If the bolt
holes are less than the minimum depth, the EASB specifies checking the
condition of the bolt. If there are no signs of chafing or contact, the
EASB calls for adding an additional washer to the bolt and reinstalling
the bolt in the TGB attachment fitting. If there are signs of chafing
or contact, the EASB requires replacing the bolt with an airworthy bolt
and two washers. The DGAC classified this EASB as mandatory and issued
F-2007-027 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects six helicopters of U.S. registry.
Based on an average estimated labor cost of $85 per work-hour, we
estimate the following costs:
Inspecting the TGB for the presence of a blind hole
requires 0.50 work-hour for a labor cost of about $43. No parts are
needed, so the cost totals $43 per helicopter, or $258 for the fleet.
Replacing bolts and adding a second washer if needed
requires 0.50 work-hour for a labor cost of about $43. Parts cost about
$200 for three replacement bolts and the washers for a total cost of
$243 per helicopter.
Replacing the TGB attachment fitting with an airworthy
fitting requires 40 work-hours for a labor cost of $3,400. Parts cost
about $1,921 for a total cost of $5,321 per helicopter.
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
[[Page 51050]]
2013-16-07 Eurocopter France Helicopters: Amendment 39-17545; Docket
No. FAA-2013-0353; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-029-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) models AS332C,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, serial numbers
(S/N) up to and including 2680 and S/N 9000 through 9009,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the
tail gearbox (TGB) attachment bolt and the structure fitting. This
condition could result in insufficient tightening of the TGB casing,
damage to the TGB attachment, cracking under the attachment bolt,
loss of the TGB and consequently, loss of helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 24, 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 50 hours time-in-service (TIS):
(1) Inspect the TGB aft attachment fitting to measure the
dimension for a blind hole as follows:
(i) Remove the TGB attachment bolt (c) but retain washer (d) as
depicted in Detail A, Figure 1, of Eurocopter Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 53.01.58 and EASB No. 53A012, both
Revision 1, and both dated January 4, 2008.
(ii) Use a depth gauge to measure dimension ``x'' between the
top face of the washer (d) and the bottom of aft fitting (a) as
depicted in Detail A, Figure 1, of the EASB.
(2) If the measurement is equal to or greater than 81 mm, then
the blind hole is present. Install the TGB attachment bolt (c) with
its washer (d) as depicted in Detail A, Figure 1, of EASB No.
53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
(3) If the measurement is less than 81 mm, then the blind hole
is missing. Inspect the end of the threaded section of bolt (c) for
chafing or a contact mark, as depicted in Area 1, Figure 1, of the
EASB.
(i) If there is no chafing and no contact marks, install bolt
(c) with washer (d) and additional washer (2) as depicted in Detail
B, Figure 1, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012.
(ii) If there is chafing or a contact mark, replace the TGB
attachment bolt (c) with an airworthy bolt and install with washer
(d) and additional washer (2) as depicted in Detail B, Figure 1, of
EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
(iii) Within the next 825 hours TIS, replace the TGB aft
attachment fitting with an airworthy attachment fitting.
(4) Inspect the right and left attachment points of the TGB
forward attachment to measure the dimension for a blind hole, as
follows:
(i) Remove both TGB attachment bolts (c) but retain washers (d),
as depicted in Detail A, Figure 2, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No.
53A012.
(ii) Use a depth gauge to measure dimension ``x'' between the
top face of washer (d) and the bottom of forward fitting (b) at the
right and left attachment points, as depicted in Detail A, Figure 2,
of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012.
(5) If both measurements are equal to or greater than 81 mm,
then the blind hole is present. Install TGB attachment bolt (c) with
its washer (d), as depicted in Detail A, Figure 2, of EASB No.
53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
(6) If one or both measurements are less than 81 mm, then the
blind hole is missing. Inspect the end of the threaded section of
each bolt (c) for chafing or a contact mark, as depicted in Area 1,
Figure 2 of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012.
(i) If there is no chafing and no contact marks, for each
attachment point, install bolt (c) with washer (d) and additional
washer (2), as depicted in Detail B, Figure 2, of EASB No. 53.01.58
or No. 53A012.
(ii) If there is chafing or a contact mark, replace each the TGB
attachment bolt (c) with an airworthy bolt and install bolt (1) with
washer (d) and additional washer (2), as depicted in Detail B,
Figure 2, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
(iii) Within the next 825 hours TIS, replace the TGB forward
attachment fitting with an airworthy attachment fitting.
(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, TX 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
The subject of this AD is addressed in the Direction
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de L'Aviation Civile (DGAC) France AD No F-
2007-027, dated January 2, 2008. You may view the DGAC AD in the AD
Docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor
Gearbox.
(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 EASB No. 53.01.58, Revision 1, dated January 4,
2008.
(ii) Eurocopter EASB No. 53A012, Revision 1, dated January 4,
2008.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Eurocopter EASB No. 53.01.58 and
No. 53A012, both Revision 1, and both dated January 4, 2008, are co-
published as one document along with Eurocopter EASB No. 53.00.58
and No. 53A011, also both Revision 1, and both dated January 4,
2008, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(3) For Eurocopter 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.
(4) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference in the AD Docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
(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 July 31, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19159 Filed 8-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
