Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Helicopters, 54792-54794 [2013-21724]

Download as PDF 54792 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 173 / Friday, September 6, 2013 / Proposed Rules ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Background The original certification of the aircraft was done under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.29, as a § 21.17(b), special class aircraft, JAR–VLA, using the requirements of JAR–VLA Amendment VLA/92/01 as developed by the Joint Aviation Authority, and under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations and two additional design criteria issued on September 2, 2003 (68 FR 56809). The regulation applicable to the Amended Type Certificate (TC) approval is § 21.17(b). This section describes the regulatory basis for the approval of JAR–VLA and CS–VLA aircraft as a special class. Policy on this subject includes AC 23–11B and AC 21.17–3. FAA policy expressed in AC 23–11B and AC 21.17–3 limits JAR–VLA and CS–VLA aircraft approved under § 21.17(b), to Day-VFR operations. Additionally, the FAA also published design criteria to allow expansion of the Aquila AT01–100 airplane to include Night-VFR as shown in NPRM 75 FR 32576. In conjunction with the expansion to Night-VFR operations intergrated avionic displays are to be installed on the Aquila AT01–100 airplane. EASA allowed the applicant to comply with CS–23 regulations for the intergrated avionic displays installed on the Aquila AT01–100 airplane and made them part of the EASA certification basis, but did not publish these additional requirements as Special Conditions as they did for the NightVFR expansion. The FAA’s system does not allow this type of additional requirements, such as 14 CFR part 23 regulations, to be added to a special class, § 21.17(b) airplane without being publically noticed either through design criteria or expansion of the existing AC 23–11B. This is the reason for this design criteria noticification. The FAA has concluded that it is acceptable to allow advanced intergrated avionic systems for certification on the Aquila Model AT01–100 under the special class amended TC project AT00651CE–A, provided the applicant complies with the below listed design criteria based on existing part 23 regulations at the described amendment levels. Revisions to AC 23–11B and AC 21.17–3 will be made to address future airplanes that wish to allow these installations. To satisfy the additional required design criteria for the Special Class (JAR–VLA) Regulations of § 21.17(b), Aquila Aviation by Excellence GmbH has agreed with the FAA to use the 14 CFR part 23 regulations for their Model VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:34 Sep 05, 2013 Jkt 229001 AT01–100, as shown on the FAA G–1 Issue Paper. The applicable criteria for the installation of advanced avionic displays on the Aquila AT01–100 are as follows: 14 CFR 23.867 at amendment 23–49, ‘‘Electrical bonding and protection against lightning and static electricity’’ 14 CFR 23.1307 at amendment 23–49, ‘‘Miscellaneous Equipment’’ 14 CFR 23.1311 at amendment 23–62, ‘‘Electronic Display Instrument Systems’’ 14 CFR 23.1321 at amendment 23–49, ‘‘Arrangement and visibility’’ 14 CFR 23.1359 at amendment 23–49, ‘‘Electrical System Fire Protection’’. In addition to the above five regulations that will be used for design criteria, the FAA has also developed a methods of compliance (MOC) issue paper for VLA– 1309 for this type of installation. Comments Invited We invite interested parties to submit comments on the proposed airworthiness standards to the address specified above. Commenters must identify the Aquila Model AT01–100 and submit comments to the address specified above. The FAA will consider all communications received on or before the closing date before issuing the final acceptance. The proposed airworthiness design standards and comments received may be inspected at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, Standards Office (ACE–110), 901 Locust Street, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays, except Federal holidays. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on August 5, 2013. Earl Lawrence, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–20150 Filed 9–5–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0770; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–057–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Eurocopter Model EC225 LP helicopters. This proposed AD would add a new operating limitation that would require increasing the minimum density altitude flight limitation for helicopters without certain Eurocopter modifications installed. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that flights below a certain density altitude create oscillations in the main rotor which can transfer dynamic loads to the structure, the main gearbox (MGB), and the main servo-control inputs, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 5, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUMMARY: 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 proposed AD, the foreign authority’s AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– 0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 E:\FR\FM\06SEP1.SGM 06SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 173 / Friday, September 6, 2013 / Proposed Rules Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email gary.b.roach@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2008– 0007R3, dated May 12, 2010, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model EC225 LP helicopters that are ‘‘not equipped of all three modifications MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583, or, if not equipped of MOD 0726592, or, if equipped with all three modifications MOD 0726606, MOD 0726610, MOD 0726611 and missing accomplishment of MOD 0726632.’’ EASA advises that the main rotor control linkage has a coupling between the MGB motion and the main servo-control inputs. According to EASA, in certain flight conditions with increased air density, this design generates ‘‘spurious’’ 14 Hertz control inputs in the main rotor, which, in return, transfer dynamic loads to the structure. These return dynamic loads give feedback to the MGB motion, inducing a continuous vibration phenomenon. EASA states that flight tests have demonstrated that below certain density altitudes, the occurrence of the vibration phenomenon is VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:34 Sep 05, 2013 Jkt 229001 significantly increased or even diverges, which could lead to the loss of control of the helicopter. EASA advises that Eurocopter has continued to develop modifications (MODs) for correcting the vibrations below certain density altitudes, and therefore, helicopters with the following MODs installed are exempt from the applicability of EASA AD No. 2008–0007R3: • MOD 0726582 relating to Vehicle Management System (VMS) software version V11.01, MOD 0726583 relating to full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software version V2.4.5 and MOD 0726477 relating to servo-controls with attenuated dynamic response; • MOD 0726592 relating to new Makila 2A1 engines; and • MOD 0726632 which allows flight to ¥6,000 feet density altitude. To correct this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2008–0007R3, which requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit operation below ¥2,000 feet density altitude for helicopters without certain modifications installed. 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 its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Eurocopter has issued EC225LP Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 04A001, Revision 3, dated May 6, 2010, which specifies inserting RFM revision ‘‘Normal Revision RN11 (10– 04) or later, associated with conditional revision RCe (10–04) or later’’ into the RFM for helicopters equipped with screen air intakes and inserting ‘‘Normal Revision RN21 (10–05) or later, associated with conditional revision RCe (10–04) or later’’ into the RFM for helicopters equipped with multipurpose air intakes. Both RFM revisions limit the minimum altitude for flight to ¥2,000 feet density altitude. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), amending the RFM to limit minimum flight altitude to ¥2,000 feet density altitude. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 54793 Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD specifies a compliance time of 30 days, while the proposed AD requires compliance within 50 hours TIS. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect three helicopters of U.S. Registry and that the costs to comply with this AD by revising the RFM are negligible. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. E:\FR\FM\06SEP1.SGM 06SEP1 54794 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 173 / Friday, September 6, 2013 / Proposed Rules List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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): ■ EUROCOPTER FRANCE (EUROCOPTER): Docket No. FAA–2013–0770; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–057–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Eurocopter Model EC225 LP helicopters, certificated in any category, except helicopters with the following modifications (MOD) installed: (1) MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583; (2) MOD 0726592; or (3) MOD 0726632. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by November 5, 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. ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 (e) Required Action Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), revise the Operating Limitations section of the Eurocopter EC225LP Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting a copy of this AD into Section 2.3 of the RFM, or by making pen and ink changes as follows. Under paragraph 1, Altitude Limits, add the phrase: ‘‘The minimum altitude is limited to ¥2,000 feet density altitude.’’ VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:34 Sep 05, 2013 Jkt 229001 (g) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter EC225LP Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 04A001, Revision 3, dated May 4, 2010, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2008–0007R3, dated May 12, 2010. You may view the EASA AD in the AD docket on the Internet at http:/www.regulations.gov. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2200: Auto Flight System. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as oscillations in the main rotor which can transfer dynamic loads to the structure, the main gearbox (MGB), and the main servocontrol inputs, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (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. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 29, 2013. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–21724 Filed 9–5–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0315; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–006–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; GROBWERKE Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal. AGENCY: This document withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have applied to GROBWERKE GMBH & CO KG Model G 115E airplanes. The proposed airworthiness directive (AD) would have required a one-time inspection to verify correct cable routing behind the LH cockpit instrument panel and, depending on findings, correction and replacement of damaged parts. Since issuance of the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 NPRM, the FAA has re-evaluated this airworthiness concern and determined that the airplanes affected are not type certificated in the United States. This withdrawal does not prevent the FAA from initiating future rulemaking on this subject. As of September 6, 2013, the proposed rule published April 9, 2013 (78 FR 21082), is withdrawn. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329– 4138; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: taylor.martin@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2013 (78 FR 21082). The NPRM proposed to require you to do a one-time inspection to verify correct cable routing behind the LH cockpit instrument panel and, depending on findings, correction and replacement of damaged parts. Because of the comments received on the NPRM (78 FR 21082, April 9, 2013) that pointed out the Model G 115E airplane is not type certificated in the United States, the FAA re-evaluated the airworthiness concern and determined that the airplanes affected are not certificated in the United States and concluded that: • An unsafe condition warranting AD action does not exist; and • the associated level of risk does not warrant AD action. Withdrawal of this NPRM (78 FR 21082, April 9, 2013) constitutes only such action and does not preclude the agency from issuing future rulemaking on this issue, nor does it commit the agency to any course of action in the future. Regulatory Findings Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a final rule and therefore, is not covered under Executive Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. E:\FR\FM\06SEP1.SGM 06SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 173 (Friday, September 6, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54792-54794]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21724]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0770; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-057-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Eurocopter Model EC225 LP helicopters. This proposed AD would 
add a new operating limitation that would require increasing the 
minimum density altitude flight limitation for helicopters without 
certain Eurocopter modifications installed. This proposed AD is 
prompted by a report that flights below a certain density altitude 
create oscillations in the main rotor which can transfer dynamic loads 
to the structure, the main gearbox (MGB), and the main servo-control 
inputs, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 5, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the foreign 
authority's AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; 
or at https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601

[[Page 54793]]

Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
gary.b.roach@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
No. 2008-0007R3, dated May 12, 2010, to correct an unsafe condition for 
Eurocopter Model EC225 LP helicopters that are ``not equipped of all 
three modifications MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583, or, if 
not equipped of MOD 0726592, or, if equipped with all three 
modifications MOD 0726606, MOD 0726610, MOD 0726611 and missing 
accomplishment of MOD 0726632.'' EASA advises that the main rotor 
control linkage has a coupling between the MGB motion and the main 
servo-control inputs. According to EASA, in certain flight conditions 
with increased air density, this design generates ``spurious'' 14 Hertz 
control inputs in the main rotor, which, in return, transfer dynamic 
loads to the structure. These return dynamic loads give feedback to the 
MGB motion, inducing a continuous vibration phenomenon. EASA states 
that flight tests have demonstrated that below certain density 
altitudes, the occurrence of the vibration phenomenon is significantly 
increased or even diverges, which could lead to the loss of control of 
the helicopter. EASA advises that Eurocopter has continued to develop 
modifications (MODs) for correcting the vibrations below certain 
density altitudes, and therefore, helicopters with the following MODs 
installed are exempt from the applicability of EASA AD No. 2008-0007R3:
     MOD 0726582 relating to Vehicle Management System (VMS) 
software version V11.01, MOD 0726583 relating to full authority digital 
engine control (FADEC) software version V2.4.5 and MOD 0726477 relating 
to servo-controls with attenuated dynamic response;
     MOD 0726592 relating to new Makila 2A1 engines; and
     MOD 0726632 which allows flight to -6,000 feet density 
altitude.
    To correct this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2008-0007R3, which 
requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit 
operation below -2,000 feet density altitude for helicopters without 
certain modifications installed.

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 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued EC225LP Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. 04A001, Revision 3, dated May 6, 2010, which specifies 
inserting RFM revision ``Normal Revision RN11 (10-04) or later, 
associated with conditional revision RCe (10-04) or later'' into the 
RFM for helicopters equipped with screen air intakes and inserting 
``Normal Revision RN21 (10-05) or later, associated with conditional 
revision RCe (10-04) or later'' into the RFM for helicopters equipped 
with multi-purpose air intakes. Both RFM revisions limit the minimum 
altitude for flight to -2,000 feet density altitude.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 50 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), amending the RFM to limit minimum flight altitude to -2,000 feet 
density altitude.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD specifies a compliance time of 30 days, while the 
proposed AD requires compliance within 50 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect three helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that the costs to comply with this AD by revising the 
RFM are negligible.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

[[Page 54794]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

EUROCOPTER FRANCE (EUROCOPTER): Docket No. FAA-2013-0770; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-057-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter Model EC225 LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, except helicopters with the following 
modifications (MOD) installed:
    (1) MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583;
    (2) MOD 0726592; or
    (3) MOD 0726632.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as oscillations in the main 
rotor which can transfer dynamic loads to the structure, the main 
gearbox (MGB), and the main servo-control inputs, which could result 
in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 5, 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 Action

    Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), revise the Operating 
Limitations section of the Eurocopter EC225LP Rotorcraft Flight 
Manual (RFM) by inserting a copy of this AD into Section 2.3 of the 
RFM, or by making pen and ink changes as follows. Under paragraph 1, 
Altitude Limits, add the phrase:
    ``The minimum altitude is limited to -2,000 feet density 
altitude.''

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email gary.b.roach@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Eurocopter EC225LP Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
04A001, Revision 3, dated May 4, 2010, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact American 
Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-
3775; or at https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2008-0007R3, dated May 12, 2010. You may 
view the EASA AD in the AD docket on the Internet at http:/
www.regulations.gov.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2200: Auto Flight 
System.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 29, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2013-21724 Filed 9-5-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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