Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 70242-70244 [2013-28188]

Download as PDF 70242 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 227 / Monday, November 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules (d) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by Lycoming Engines issuing Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 342G, dated July 16, 2013 and MSB No. 342G, Supplement 1, dated August 29, 2013 which add engine models requiring inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fuel injector fuel lines, which could lead to uncontrolled engine fire, engine damage, and damage to the airplane. Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; phone: 800–258–3279; fax: 570–327–7101; Internet: https://www.lycoming.com/ Lycoming/SUPPORT/TechnicalPublications/ ServiceBulletins.aspx. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. (e) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) Initial Inspections (i) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect the fuel injector fuel lines and clamps between the fuel manifold and the fuel injector nozzles. Use Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342G, dated July 16, 2013 and Supplement No. 1 to MSB 342G, dated August 29, 2013, to determine what must be inspected. Replace any fuel injector fuel line or clamp that fails the inspection required by the Fuel Line Inspection and Installation Checklist in MSB No. 342G. (ii) Thereafter, re-inspect after any maintenance is done on the engine, where any clamp on a fuel injector fuel line was disconnected, moved, or loosened, and within every 110 hours TIS and after each engine overhaul. Use Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342G, dated July 16, 2013 and Supplement No. 1 to MSB 342G, dated August 29, 2013, to determine what must be inspected and the Fuel Line Inspection and Installation Checklist in MSB No. 342G to perform the re-inspection. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 8, 2013. Colleen M. D’Alessandro, Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. (2) Credit for Previous Actions (i) If you inspected your fuel injector fuel lines and clamps using Lycoming Engines MSB 342F, dated June 4, 2010, or earlier version, you met the initial inspection requirements of this AD. However, you must still comply with the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this AD. (ii) Reserved. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. (g) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Norm Perenson, Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516–228–7337; fax: 516–794–5531; email: norman.perenson@faa.gov. (2) Lycoming Engines MSB No. 342G, dated July 16, 2013, and MSB No. 342G, Supplement 1, dated August 29, 2013, pertain to the subject of this AD and can be obtained from Lycoming Engines using the contact information in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Lycoming Engines, 652 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Nov 22, 2013 Jkt 232001 [FR Doc. 2013–28174 Filed 11–22–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0984; Directorate Identifier 2013–SW–022–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter (Eurocopter) France Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require measuring the operating load of the cockpit fuel shut-off controls and replacing the tangential gearbox if the operating load threshold is exceeded. This proposed AD is prompted by the jamming of the lefthand (LH) side of the fuel shut-off and general cut-off controls (controls). The proposed actions are intended to prevent the jamming of the controls so that a pilot can shut down an engine during an engine fire or during an emergency landing. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 24, 2014. 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 • 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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: James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email james.blyn@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. E:\FR\FM\25NOP1.SGM 25NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 227 / Monday, November 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 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 EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013– 0098–E, dated April 24, 2013, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters with tangential gearboxes, part number (P/N) 200181 or Eurocopter P/N 704A34112012. EASA advises that during maintenance on a helicopter, the LH side of the cockpit’s emergency shutdown controls were reported jammed, making it impossible to operate the LH fuel shut-off and the general cutout handles. ‘‘This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure to manually operate the helicopter emergency shutdown controls during emergency landing or fire condition,’’ EASA states. To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD No. 2013–0098–E requires an operating load check of the two cockpit fuel shut-off handles and, depending on findings, lubrication and/or replacement of the two tangential gearboxes. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 proposing 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. Related Service Information Eurocopter issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 76A001, Revision 0, dated April 22, 2013, for the Model EC225LP civil helicopter and the Model EC725 military helicopter to notify its operators that during a scheduled inspection of the fuel shut-off controls, a mechanic noticed that one of the shut-off controls jammed. This jamming made maneuvering the fuel shut-off and the general cut-out controls impossible. After an investigation, Eurocopter determined that the jamming originated in the tangential gearbox installed on this control. Traces of corrosion were observed on the internal bearings of the LH tangential gearbox, Eurocopter reported. The jamming of VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Nov 22, 2013 Jkt 232001 the fuel cut-off control prevents the engine input fuel valve and the engine compartment ventilation flap from closing and prevents the activation of the general cut-out control. Eurocopter consequently called for a mandatory ‘‘check’’ of the fuel shut-off valve maneuvering loads, lubricating the tangential gearbox bearings, and depending on the load measurement, replacing the tangential gearbox. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require: • Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 7 days, whichever occurs first, measuring the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control. • If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb), before further flight, lubricating each tangential gearbox and measuring the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control. • If the operating load is less than or equal to 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb), within 6 months, lubricating the tangential gearbox. • If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb) after lubricating the tangential gearbox, replacing the affected tangential gearbox before the next flight. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires differing compliance times based on when the helicopter’s original Certificate of Airworthiness or Export Certificate of Airworthiness was issued. This proposed AD makes no distinction regarding compliance times because there are only 4 affected aircraft on the U.S. registry. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 4 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs would average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • Measuring the operating load of the two cockpit fuel shut-off controls would require .25 work-hours for a labor cost of about $21, or $84 for the U.S. fleet. No parts would be needed. • Lubricating the tangential gearbox would require 4 work-hours. The cost of consumable materials would be minimal for a total cost of $340 per helicopter. • Replacing the tangential gearbox would require 4 work-hours for a labor cost of $340. Parts would cost $4,943 for a total cost of $5,283 per helicopter. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 70243 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. 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: ■ E:\FR\FM\25NOP1.SGM 25NOP1 70244 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 227 / Monday, November 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 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 HELICOPTERS: Docket No. FAA–2013–0984; Directorate Identifier 2013–SW–022–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC225LP helicopters with a tangential gearbox, part number (P/N) 200181 or 704A34112012, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as the jamming of the fuel shut-off and the general cut-off controls. This condition could prevent a pilot from shutting down an engine during an engine fire or emergency landing. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by January 24, 2014. (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. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (e) Required Actions (1) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 7 days, whichever occurs first, measure the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control. (i) If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb), before further flight, lubricate each tangential gearbox and measure the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control. (ii) If the operating load is less than or equal to 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb), within 6 months, lubricate each tangential gearbox and measure the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control. (iii) If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb) after lubricating the tangential gearbox, replace the affected tangential gearbox before the next flight. (2) Before installing a tangential gearbox, P/N 200181 or 704A34112012, lubricate the upper and lower bearings. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email james.blyn@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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Nov 22, 2013 Jkt 232001 (g) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 76A001, Revision 0, dated April 22, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information, 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. 2013–0098–E, dated April 24, 2013. You may view the EASA AD in the AD Docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Engine Controls, 7600. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 7, 2013. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–28188 Filed 11–22–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION 20 CFR Part 416 [Docket No. SSA–2011–0104] RIN 0960–AH45 Electronic Interim Assistance Reimbursement Program Social Security Administration. Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: ACTION: We reimburse States that provide interim assistance to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants under our interim assistance reimbursement (IAR) program. We provide this reimbursement from the SSI recipient’s initial retroactive SSI payment. On November 20, 2010, we began using an electronic Interim Assistance Reimbursement system (eIAR) to streamline the way we process reimbursements to the States. The eIAR process replaced our prior paper-based process with an electronic one, and greatly reduced our and the State’s involvement in manually processing IAR cases. This electronic system did not change the amount of payments we make to States and SSI recipients. We propose to revise our rules about how we administer the IAR process to reflect the electronic process. We also made minor language changes and reorganized the sections for clarity. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 To ensure that your comments are considered, we must receive them no later than January 24, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any one of three methods—Internet, fax, or mail. Do not submit the same comments multiple times or by more than one method. Regardless of which method you choose, please state that your comments refer to Docket No. SSA–2011–0104 so that we may associate your comments with the correct regulation. Caution: You should be careful to include in your comments only information that you wish to make publicly available. We strongly urge you not to include in your comments any personal information, such as Social Security numbers or medical information. 1. Internet: We strongly recommend this method for submitting your comments. Visit the Federal eRulemaking portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. Use the Search function of the Web page to find docket number SSA–2011–0104 and then submit your comment. Once you submit your comment, the system will issue you a tracking number to confirm your submission. You will not be able to view your comment immediately as we must manually post each comment. It may take up to a week for your comment to be viewable. 2. Fax: Fax comments to (410) 966– 2830. 3. Mail: Address your comments to the Office of Regulations and Reports Clearance, Social Security Administration, 107 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21235–6401. Comments are available for public viewing on the Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov or in person, during regular business hours, by arranging with the contact person identified below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tema Friedman, Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21235– 6401, (410) 965–8979. For information on eligibility or filing for benefits, call our national toll-free number, 1–800– 772–1213, or TTY 1–800–325–0778, or visit our Internet site, Social Security Online, at https:// www.socialsecurity.gov. DATES: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background To be eligible for benefits from the SSI program, a person must be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled; have low E:\FR\FM\25NOP1.SGM 25NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 227 (Monday, November 25, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 70242-70244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28188]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0984; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-022-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter (Eurocopter) France Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed 
AD would require measuring the operating load of the cockpit fuel shut-
off controls and replacing the tangential gearbox if the operating load 
threshold is exceeded. This proposed AD is prompted by the jamming of 
the left-hand (LH) side of the fuel shut-off and general cut-off 
controls (controls). The proposed actions are intended to prevent the 
jamming of the controls so that a pilot can shut down an engine during 
an engine fire or during an emergency landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 24, 
2014.

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 European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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: James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
james.blyn@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.

[[Page 70243]]

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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013-0098-E, dated April 24, 
2013, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model EC225LP 
helicopters with tangential gearboxes, part number (P/N) 200181 or 
Eurocopter P/N 704A34112012. EASA advises that during maintenance on a 
helicopter, the LH side of the cockpit's emergency shutdown controls 
were reported jammed, making it impossible to operate the LH fuel shut-
off and the general cut-out handles. ``This condition, if not detected 
and corrected, could lead to failure to manually operate the helicopter 
emergency shutdown controls during emergency landing or fire 
condition,'' EASA states. To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD No. 
2013-0098-E requires an operating load check of the two cockpit fuel 
shut-off handles and, depending on findings, lubrication and/or 
replacement of the two tangential gearboxes.

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 proposing 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.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
76A001, Revision 0, dated April 22, 2013, for the Model EC225LP civil 
helicopter and the Model EC725 military helicopter to notify its 
operators that during a scheduled inspection of the fuel shut-off 
controls, a mechanic noticed that one of the shut-off controls jammed. 
This jamming made maneuvering the fuel shut-off and the general cut-out 
controls impossible. After an investigation, Eurocopter determined that 
the jamming originated in the tangential gearbox installed on this 
control. Traces of corrosion were observed on the internal bearings of 
the LH tangential gearbox, Eurocopter reported. The jamming of the fuel 
cut-off control prevents the engine input fuel valve and the engine 
compartment ventilation flap from closing and prevents the activation 
of the general cut-out control.
    Eurocopter consequently called for a mandatory ``check'' of the 
fuel shut-off valve maneuvering loads, lubricating the tangential 
gearbox bearings, and depending on the load measurement, replacing the 
tangential gearbox.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require:
     Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 7 days, whichever 
occurs first, measuring the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-
off control.
     If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb), 
before further flight, lubricating each tangential gearbox and 
measuring the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control.
     If the operating load is less than or equal to 3 daN (6.74 
ft-lb), within 6 months, lubricating the tangential gearbox.
     If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb) 
after lubricating the tangential gearbox, replacing the affected 
tangential gearbox before the next flight.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires differing compliance times based on when the 
helicopter's original Certificate of Airworthiness or Export 
Certificate of Airworthiness was issued. This proposed AD makes no 
distinction regarding compliance times because there are only 4 
affected aircraft on the U.S. registry.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 4 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs would average $85 a work-hour. Based 
on these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Measuring the operating load of the two cockpit fuel shut-
off controls would require .25 work-hours for a labor cost of about 
$21, or $84 for the U.S. fleet. No parts would be needed.
     Lubricating the tangential gearbox would require 4 work-
hours. The cost of consumable materials would be minimal for a total 
cost of $340 per helicopter.
     Replacing the tangential gearbox would require 4 work-
hours for a labor cost of $340. Parts would cost $4,943 for a total 
cost of $5,283 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 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.

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:


[[Page 70244]]


    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 HELICOPTERS: Docket No. FAA-2013-0984; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-SW-022-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC225LP 
helicopters with a tangential gearbox, part number (P/N) 200181 or 
704A34112012, installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as the jamming of the fuel 
shut-off and the general cut-off controls. This condition could 
prevent a pilot from shutting down an engine during an engine fire 
or emergency landing.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 24, 2014.

(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) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 7 days, whichever 
occurs first, measure the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-
off control.
    (i) If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb), 
before further flight, lubricate each tangential gearbox and measure 
the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control.
    (ii) If the operating load is less than or equal to 3 daN (6.74 
ft-lb), within 6 months, lubricate each tangential gearbox and 
measure the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control.
    (iii) If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb) 
after lubricating the tangential gearbox, replace the affected 
tangential gearbox before the next flight.
    (2) Before installing a tangential gearbox, P/N 200181 or 
704A34112012, lubricate the upper and lower bearings.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email james.blyn@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 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 76A001, 
Revision 0, dated April 22, 2013, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. For service information, 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. 2013-0098-E, dated April 24, 2013. You 
may view the EASA AD in the AD Docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Engine Controls, 
7600.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 7, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-28188 Filed 11-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.