Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 52407-52410 [2013-19438]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 164 / Friday, August 23, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective September 27, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A330–
301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341,
–342, and –343 airplanes; and Model A340–
211, –212, –213, –311, –312, and –313
airplanes; certificated in any category; all
manufacturer serial numbers; if fitted with a
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator
(THSA) having part number (P/N) 47147–500
or P/N 47147–700.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination
that ballscrew rupture could occur on certain
THSAs. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct ballscrew rupture, which, along with
corrosion on the ballscrew lower splines,
may lead to loss of transmission of THSA
torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar
and consequent THSA blowback, which
could result in loss of control of the airplane.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the
compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
(g) Repetitive Integrity Tests
At the later of the times specified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as
applicable, do a THSA ballscrew shaft
integrity test, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–27–3191,
dated June 7, 2012; or Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A340–27–4186, dated June
7, 2012; as applicable. Repeat the integrity
test thereafter at intervals not to exceed
12,000 flight hours or 4,400 flight cycles,
whichever occurs first.
(1) At the latest of the times specified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), or (g)(1)(iii) of
this AD.
(i) Within 12,000 flight hours since the
airplane’s first flight; or
(ii) Within 12,000 flight hours since the
most recent THSA ballscrew shaft integrity
test was done as specified in maintenance
review board report (MRBR) Task 274000–12;
or
(iii) Within 12,000 flight hours since the
most recent THSA ballscrew shaft integrity
test was done, as specified in Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–27–3179
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–
27–4175, as applicable. (These service
bulletins specify testing in case of type II or
type III findings).
(2) Within 1,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, but without
exceeding the latest of the times specified in
paragraph (g)(2)(i), (g)(2)(ii), or (g)(2)(iii) of
this AD.
(i) 16,000 flight hours since the airplane’s
first flight.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:22 Aug 22, 2013
Jkt 229001
(ii) 16,000 flight hours since the most
recent THSA ballscrew shaft integrity test
was done, as specified in MRBR task 274000–
12.
(iii) 16,000 flight hours since the most
recent THSA ballscrew shaft integrity test
was done, as specified in Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A330–27–3179, or Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–27–4175,
as applicable. (These service bulletins specify
testing in case of type II or type III findings).
(h) Replacement
If the result from any test required by
paragraph (g) of this AD is not correct, as
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A330–27–3191, dated June 7, 2012;
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–
27–4186, dated June 7, 2012; as applicable:
Before further flight, replace the THSA with
a serviceable THSA, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–27–3191,
dated June 7, 2012; or Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A340–27–4186, dated June
7, 2012; as applicable. Replacement of a
THSA, as required by this paragraph, with a
THSA having P/N 47147–500 or P/N 47147–
700, is not terminating action for the
repetitive tests required by paragraph (g) of
this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–
3356; telephone (425) 227–1138; fax (425)
227–1149. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC
approval letter must specifically reference
this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(j) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information European
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2012–0210, dated October 11, 2012,
for related information, which can be found
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
52407
in the AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
(k) 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) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A330–27–3191, dated June 7, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A340–27–4186, dated June 7, 2012.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may review copies of the service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(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 Renton, Washington, on August
1, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–19161 Filed 8–22–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0341; Directorate
Identifier 2012–SW–025–AD; Amendment
39–17557; AD 2013–16–19]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model
EC120B and EC130B4 helicopters with
a certain emergency flotation gear (float)
installed. This AD requires inspecting
the float for chafing of the fabric
covering and adding protectors to the
float installation to prevent contact
between the float and the protruding
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM
23AUR1
52408
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 164 / Friday, August 23, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
sections of the installation. This AD was
prompted by a report of a float that
would not inflate during overhaul
because one of the float compartments
was punctured due to chafing. The
actions of this AD are intended to
prevent failure of float and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter during
an emergency water landing.
DATES: This AD is effective September
27, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of September 27, 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.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the
Docket Operations Office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the foreign
authority’s AD, any incorporated-byreference 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 April 15, 2013, at 78 FR 22213, 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 EC120B helicopters
with a left-hand (LH) emergency
flotation gear, part number (P/N)
215674–0, 215674–1, or 215674–2
installed, fitted with a float, P/N
215481–0; or with a right-hand (RH)
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:22 Aug 22, 2013
Jkt 229001
emergency flotation gear, P/N 215675–0,
215675–1, or 215675–2 installed, fitted
with a float, P/N 215482–0; and Model
EC130B4 helicopters with a LH
emergency flotation gear P/N 217227–0
installed, fitted with a float P/N
217174–0; or with a RH emergency
flotation gear P/N 217228–0 installed,
fitted with a float, P/N 217195–0. The
NPRM proposed to require inspecting
the float for chafing of the fabric
covering and adding protectors to the
float installation to prevent contact
between the float and the protruding
sections of the installation. The
proposed requirements were intended to
prevent failure of float and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter during
an emergency water landing.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2011–0185, dated September 23, 2011
(AD 2011–0185), issued by the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union. EASA issued AD 2011–0185 to
correct an unsafe condition for
Eurocopter Model EC120 and EC130
helicopters. EASA advises that during
overhaul of an emergency flotation gear
installation, it was impossible to inflate
the RH float according to the
instructions in the equipment
manufacturer’s manual. An
investigation revealed that one of the
compartments in the float was
punctured and several areas of the LH
and RH floats were damaged, caused by
chafing between the float and the
protruding sections of the supply bars
and banjo unions. To address this
potentially unsafe condition, EASA
issued AD No. 2009–0190, dated August
26, 2009 (AD 2009–0190), which
required repetitive inspections of the
floats to detect chafing. Aerazur, the
float manufacturer, later developed
protectors to be installed on the floats to
eliminate interference between the float
and the blunt parts of the installation.
EASA then issued AD 2011–0185,
which superseded AD 2009–0190 and
required installation of the protectors on
the floats as terminating action for the
repetitive inspections.
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
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. 05A011, Revision 0,
dated June 8, 2009 (ASB 05A011), for
Model EC120B helicopters and ASB No.
05A008, Revision 0, dated June 8, 2009
(ASB 05A008), for Model EC130B4
helicopters. Both ASBs specify
inspecting the floats for deterioration
and chafing at specified intervals and, if
necessary, repairing the floats.
Eurocopter has also issued ASB No.
EC120–25A026, Revision 0, dated July
11, 2011 (ASB EC120–25A026), for
Model EC120B helicopters and ASB No.
EC130–25A042, Revision 0, dated July
11, 2011 (ASB EC130–25A042), for
Model EC130B4 helicopters. Both ASBs
specify modifying certain partnumbered LH and RH emergency
flotation gear by adding protectors onto
the rear bracket and supply couplings of
the float installation. The ASBs specify
following procedures in Aerazur Service
Bulletin (SB) No. 25–69–87, dated
March 14, 2011, for floats installed on
Model EC120B helicopters and Aerazur
SB No. 25–69–58, dated March 14, 2011,
for floats installed on Model EC130B4
helicopters. Each Aerazur SB is
incorporated as an appendix to the
corresponding Eurocopter ASB.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we did not receive any comments on the
NPRM (78 FR 22213, April 15, 2013).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
60 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Based on
an average labor rate of $85 per workhour, we estimate that operators may
incur the following costs to comply with
this AD. Inspecting the floats for chafing
will require about .5 hour, for a cost per
helicopter of $43, and a cost to U.S.
operators of $2,580. Modifying the floats
with protective covers will require
about 1 hour and required parts cost
about $500, for a cost per helicopter of
$585, and a cost to U.S. operators of
$35,100. The total estimated cost of this
AD is $628 per helicopter and $37,680
for the U.S. operator fleet.
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
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
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM
23AUR1
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 164 / Friday, August 23, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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:
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
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):
■
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:22 Aug 22, 2013
Jkt 229001
2013–16–19 Eurocopter France:
Amendment 39–17557; Docket No.
FAA–2013–0341; Directorate Identifier
2012–SW–025–AD.
(a) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to the following
helicopters, certificated in any category:
(i) Model EC120B helicopters with a lefthand (LH) emergency flotation gear, part
number (P/N) 215674–0, 215674–1, or
215674–2 installed, fitted with a float, P/N
215481–0; or with a right-hand (RH)
emergency flotation gear, P/N 215675–0,
215675–1, or 215675–2 installed, fitted with
a float, P/N 215482–0; and
(ii) Model EC130B4 helicopters with a LH
emergency flotation gear P/N 217227–0
installed, fitted with a float P/N 217174–0; or
with a RH emergency flotation gear P/N
217228–0 installed, fitted with a float, P/N
217195–0.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
chafing of the float due to contact with the
protruding sections of the supply bars and
banjo sections of the emergency flotation gear
installation. This condition could result in
the float becoming punctured, failure of the
float to inflate, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter during an emergency water
landing.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 27,
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
(1) For emergency flotation gear that have
accumulated 250 or more hours time-in
service (TIS), within 50 hours TIS,
accomplish the following:
(i) Undo the Velcro tapes and remove the
break laces. Remove the caps from the cover
end. Unfold the cover.
(ii) Inspect each float area in contact with
the emergency flotation gear protruding parts
(supply bar, banjo union, and fittings) for
chafing as shown in Figure 1 of Eurocopter
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05A011,
Revision 0, dated June 8, 2009, or Eurocopter
ASB No. 05A008, Revision 0, dated June 8,
2009, as appropriate for your model
helicopter.
(iii) If there is any chafing between the
protruding parts and the float fabric, before
further flight, inspect the flotation gear.
(A) Unfold and visually inspect the float
assemblies for any cuts, tears, punctures, or
abrasion. Replace the cover if the internal
polycarbonate sheet is cut or if the cover is
cut or punctured.
(B) Lightly inflate the floats to
approximately 50 hectopascals through the
manual inflating valve and inspect the fabric
panels and girts for any cuts, tears,
punctures, or abrasion. If there is a cut, tear,
puncture, or any abrasion, repair the float.
(2) For emergency floatation gear that have
accumulated less than 250 hours TIS, on or
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
52409
before accumulating 300 hours TIS, inspect
the float gear as described in paragraph
(e)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
(3) Within 300 hours TIS:
(i) For Model EC120B helicopters, install
protectors on and re-identify the P/N of each
LH and RH emergency floatation gear as
described in the Operating Instructions,
paragraph 2.C., of Aerazur Service Bulletin
(SB) No. 25–69–87, dated March 14, 2011.
The Aerazur SB is attached as an appendix
to Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. EC120–25A026, Revision 0, dated July
11, 2011.
(ii) For Model EC130B4 helicopters, install
protectors on and re-identify the P/N of each
LH and RH emergency floatation gear as
described in the Operating Instructions,
paragraph 2., of Aerazur SB No. 25–69–58,
dated March 14, 2011. The Aerazur SB is
attached as an appendix to Eurocopter ASB
No. EC130–25A042, Revision 0, dated July
11, 2011.
(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) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency AD No.
2011–0185, dated September 23, 2011, which
can be found in the AD Docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
(2) Eurocopter ASB No. EC120–25A026,
Revision 0, dated July 11, 2011, and
Eurocopter ASB No. EC130–25A042,
Revision 0, dated July 11, 2011, which are
not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of
this AD. You may view this service
information at the 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.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3212: Emergency Flotation Section.
(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.
E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM
23AUR1
52410
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 164 / Friday, August 23, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(i) Aerazur SB No. 25–69–58, dated March
14, 2011, which is attached as an appendix
to Eurocopter ASB No. EC130–25A042,
Revision 0, dated July 11, 2011.
(ii) Aerazur SB No. 25–69–87, dated March
14, 2011, which is attached as an appendix
to Eurocopter ASB No. EC120–25A026,
Revision 0, dated July 11, 2011.
(iii) Eurocopter ASB No. 05A008, Revision
0, dated June 8, 2009.
(iv) Eurocopter ASB No. 05A011, Revision
0, dated June 8, 2009.
(3) For Eurocopter and Aerazur 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 also 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 August 2,
2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–19438 Filed 8–22–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0887; Directorate
Identifier 2009–SW–02–AD; Amendment 39–
17551; AD 2013–16–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD)
Model BO–105A, BO–105C, BO–105S,
BO–105LS A–1, BO–105LS A–3, MBB–
BK 117 A–1, MBB–BK 117 A–3, MBB–
BK 117 A–4, MBB–BK 117 B–1, MBB–
BK–117 B–2, and MBB–BK 117 C–1
helicopters to require inspections for
corrosion or thread damage to each tail
rotor balance weight (weight) and each
tail rotor control lever (lever). This AD
was prompted by a European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD and a
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:22 Aug 22, 2013
Jkt 229001
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA)
AD, both issued based on a report that
corrosion was detected on a weight in
the area of the attachment thread on a
model BO–105 helicopter. The actions
of this AD are intended to detect
corrosion and thread damage in the
threaded area of the weight and lever,
and to prevent failure of a weight or
lever, separation of tail rotor parts,
severe vibration, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective September
27, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of September 27, 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, TX 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, the EASA and
TCCA ADs, any incorporated-byreference 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:
Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
sharon.y.miles@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On August 29, 2012, at 77 FR 52265,
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 ECD Model BO–105A, BO–105C, BO–
105S, BO–105LS A–1, BO–105LS A–3,
MBB–BK 117 A–1, MBB–BK 117 A–3,
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
MBB–BK 117 A–4, MBB–BK117 B–1,
MBB–BK 117 B–2, and MBB–BK 117 C–
1 helicopters with certain levers and
weights installed. The NPRM proposed
to require conducting repetitive visual
inspections of each weight and lever
and proposed procedures for installing
a weight or lever. Additionally, the
NPRM proposed allowable tolerances
for corrosion or thread damage on the
threaded portion of a weight or lever
and proposed to require that a part with
corrosion or mechanical damage in
excess of allowable tolerances be
replaced with an airworthy part. The
proposed requirements were intended to
detect corrosion and thread damage in
the threaded area of a weight or lever,
to prevent failure of a weight or lever,
separation of tail rotor parts, severe
vibration, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2008–0206, dated November 25, 2008,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, and AD No. CF–2009–
12, dated March 24, 2009, issued by the
TCCA, which is the aviation authority
for Canada. EASA issued AD No. 2008–
0206 to correct the unsafe condition for
ECD Model BO 105 A, BO 105 C, BO
105 LS A–1, BO 105 D, BO 105 DS, BO
105 DB, BO 105 DBS, BO 105 DB–4, BO
105 DBS–4, BO 105 DBS–5, BO 105 S,
MBB–BK 117 A–1, MBB–BK 117 A–3,
MBB–BK 117 A–4, MBB–BK 117 B–1,
MBB–BK 117 B–2, and MBB–BK 117 C–
1 helicopters. The TCCA issued AD No.
CF–2009–12 to correct the unsafe
condition for Eurocopter Model BO 105
LS A–3 helicopters. These ADs state
that during a periodical inspection,
corrosion was detected on the weights
in the area of the attachment thread.
Since the issuance of the Canadian AD,
the type certificate for the Model BO
105 LS A–3 has been transferred from
Eurocopter Canada Limited to
Eurocopter Deutschland (Germany).
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 52265, August 29, 2012).
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of Germany
and are approved for operation in the
United States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with Germany, 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
E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM
23AUR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 164 (Friday, August 23, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52407-52410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19438]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0341; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-025-AD;
Amendment 39-17557; AD 2013-16-19]
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 (Eurocopter) Model EC120B and EC130B4 helicopters
with a certain emergency flotation gear (float) installed. This AD
requires inspecting the float for chafing of the fabric covering and
adding protectors to the float installation to prevent contact between
the float and the protruding
[[Page 52408]]
sections of the installation. This AD was prompted by a report of a
float that would not inflate during overhaul because one of the float
compartments was punctured due to chafing. The actions of this AD are
intended to prevent failure of float and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter during an emergency water landing.
DATES: This AD is effective September 27, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of September 27,
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, the foreign authority's 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 April 15, 2013, at 78 FR 22213, 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
EC120B helicopters with a left-hand (LH) emergency flotation gear, part
number (P/N) 215674-0, 215674-1, or 215674-2 installed, fitted with a
float, P/N 215481-0; or with a right-hand (RH) emergency flotation
gear, P/N 215675-0, 215675-1, or 215675-2 installed, fitted with a
float, P/N 215482-0; and Model EC130B4 helicopters with a LH emergency
flotation gear P/N 217227-0 installed, fitted with a float P/N 217174-
0; or with a RH emergency flotation gear P/N 217228-0 installed, fitted
with a float, P/N 217195-0. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the
float for chafing of the fabric covering and adding protectors to the
float installation to prevent contact between the float and the
protruding sections of the installation. The proposed requirements were
intended to prevent failure of float and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter during an emergency water landing.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2011-0185, dated September 23, 2011
(AD 2011-0185), issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. EASA issued AD 2011-0185 to correct an unsafe condition for
Eurocopter Model EC120 and EC130 helicopters. EASA advises that during
overhaul of an emergency flotation gear installation, it was impossible
to inflate the RH float according to the instructions in the equipment
manufacturer's manual. An investigation revealed that one of the
compartments in the float was punctured and several areas of the LH and
RH floats were damaged, caused by chafing between the float and the
protruding sections of the supply bars and banjo unions. To address
this potentially unsafe condition, EASA issued AD No. 2009-0190, dated
August 26, 2009 (AD 2009-0190), which required repetitive inspections
of the floats to detect chafing. Aerazur, the float manufacturer, later
developed protectors to be installed on the floats to eliminate
interference between the float and the blunt parts of the installation.
EASA then issued AD 2011-0185, which superseded AD 2009-0190 and
required installation of the protectors on the floats as terminating
action for the repetitive inspections.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (78 FR 22213,
April 15, 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, 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
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05A011,
Revision 0, dated June 8, 2009 (ASB 05A011), for Model EC120B
helicopters and ASB No. 05A008, Revision 0, dated June 8, 2009 (ASB
05A008), for Model EC130B4 helicopters. Both ASBs specify inspecting
the floats for deterioration and chafing at specified intervals and, if
necessary, repairing the floats.
Eurocopter has also issued ASB No. EC120-25A026, Revision 0, dated
July 11, 2011 (ASB EC120-25A026), for Model EC120B helicopters and ASB
No. EC130-25A042, Revision 0, dated July 11, 2011 (ASB EC130-25A042),
for Model EC130B4 helicopters. Both ASBs specify modifying certain
part-numbered LH and RH emergency flotation gear by adding protectors
onto the rear bracket and supply couplings of the float installation.
The ASBs specify following procedures in Aerazur Service Bulletin (SB)
No. 25-69-87, dated March 14, 2011, for floats installed on Model
EC120B helicopters and Aerazur SB No. 25-69-58, dated March 14, 2011,
for floats installed on Model EC130B4 helicopters. Each Aerazur SB is
incorporated as an appendix to the corresponding Eurocopter ASB.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 60 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we
estimate that operators may incur the following costs to comply with
this AD. Inspecting the floats for chafing will require about .5 hour,
for a cost per helicopter of $43, and a cost to U.S. operators of
$2,580. Modifying the floats with protective covers will require about
1 hour and required parts cost about $500, for a cost per helicopter of
$585, and a cost to U.S. operators of $35,100. The total estimated cost
of this AD is $628 per helicopter and $37,680 for the U.S. operator
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
[[Page 52409]]
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):
2013-16-19 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-17557; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0341; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-025-AD.
(a) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to the following helicopters, certificated
in any category:
(i) Model EC120B helicopters with a left-hand (LH) emergency
flotation gear, part number (P/N) 215674-0, 215674-1, or 215674-2
installed, fitted with a float, P/N 215481-0; or with a right-hand
(RH) emergency flotation gear, P/N 215675-0, 215675-1, or 215675-2
installed, fitted with a float, P/N 215482-0; and
(ii) Model EC130B4 helicopters with a LH emergency flotation
gear P/N 217227-0 installed, fitted with a float P/N 217174-0; or
with a RH emergency flotation gear P/N 217228-0 installed, fitted
with a float, P/N 217195-0.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as chafing of the float due
to contact with the protruding sections of the supply bars and banjo
sections of the emergency flotation gear installation. This
condition could result in the float becoming punctured, failure of
the float to inflate, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter during an emergency water landing.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 27, 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
(1) For emergency flotation gear that have accumulated 250 or
more hours time-in service (TIS), within 50 hours TIS, accomplish
the following:
(i) Undo the Velcro tapes and remove the break laces. Remove the
caps from the cover end. Unfold the cover.
(ii) Inspect each float area in contact with the emergency
flotation gear protruding parts (supply bar, banjo union, and
fittings) for chafing as shown in Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05A011, Revision 0, dated June 8, 2009,
or Eurocopter ASB No. 05A008, Revision 0, dated June 8, 2009, as
appropriate for your model helicopter.
(iii) If there is any chafing between the protruding parts and
the float fabric, before further flight, inspect the flotation gear.
(A) Unfold and visually inspect the float assemblies for any
cuts, tears, punctures, or abrasion. Replace the cover if the
internal polycarbonate sheet is cut or if the cover is cut or
punctured.
(B) Lightly inflate the floats to approximately 50 hectopascals
through the manual inflating valve and inspect the fabric panels and
girts for any cuts, tears, punctures, or abrasion. If there is a
cut, tear, puncture, or any abrasion, repair the float.
(2) For emergency floatation gear that have accumulated less
than 250 hours TIS, on or before accumulating 300 hours TIS, inspect
the float gear as described in paragraph (e)(1)(i) through (iii) of
this AD.
(3) Within 300 hours TIS:
(i) For Model EC120B helicopters, install protectors on and re-
identify the P/N of each LH and RH emergency floatation gear as
described in the Operating Instructions, paragraph 2.C., of Aerazur
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 25-69-87, dated March 14, 2011. The
Aerazur SB is attached as an appendix to Eurocopter Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. EC120-25A026, Revision 0, dated July 11, 2011.
(ii) For Model EC130B4 helicopters, install protectors on and
re-identify the P/N of each LH and RH emergency floatation gear as
described in the Operating Instructions, paragraph 2., of Aerazur SB
No. 25-69-58, dated March 14, 2011. The Aerazur SB is attached as an
appendix to Eurocopter ASB No. EC130-25A042, Revision 0, dated July
11, 2011.
(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) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency AD No. 2011-0185, dated September 23, 2011, which can
be found in the AD Docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
(2) Eurocopter ASB No. EC120-25A026, Revision 0, dated July 11,
2011, and Eurocopter ASB No. EC130-25A042, Revision 0, dated July
11, 2011, which are not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of this AD. You may view
this service information at the 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.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212: Emergency
Flotation Section.
(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.
[[Page 52410]]
(i) Aerazur SB No. 25-69-58, dated March 14, 2011, which is
attached as an appendix to Eurocopter ASB No. EC130-25A042, Revision
0, dated July 11, 2011.
(ii) Aerazur SB No. 25-69-87, dated March 14, 2011, which is
attached as an appendix to Eurocopter ASB No. EC120-25A026, Revision
0, dated July 11, 2011.
(iii) Eurocopter ASB No. 05A008, Revision 0, dated June 8, 2009.
(iv) Eurocopter ASB No. 05A011, Revision 0, dated June 8, 2009.
(3) For Eurocopter and Aerazur 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 also 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 August 2, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19438 Filed 8-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P