Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters, 2366-2368 [2013-31447]

Download as PDF 2366 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2014 / Rules and Regulations The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, under § 11.38, and they become part of the typecertification basis under § 21.17(a)(2). opportunities for comment described above. Novel or Unusual Design Features Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The Airbus Model A350–900 series will incorporate the following novel or unusual design features: An electronic flight control system that can affect how the airplane responds to a roll maneuver. This requires that the roll maneuver result from defined movements of the cockpit roll control as opposed to defined aileron deflections. This also requires an additional load condition at VA, in which the cockpit roll control is returned to neutral following the initial roll input. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704. The Special Conditions Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of the type certification basis for Airbus Model A350–900 series airplanes. Discussion 1. Design Roll Maneuver Conditions These proposed special conditions differ from similar special conditions applied on previous programs; and are limited to the roll axis only, whereas previous special conditions also included the pitch and yaw axes. Special conditions are no longer needed for the pitch or yaw axes, because 14 CFR part 25 Amendment 25–91 takes into account the effects of an electronic flight control system in those axes (§ 25.331 for pitch and § 25.351 for yaw). The following conditions, speeds, and cockpit roll control motions (except as the motions may be limited by pilot effort) must be considered in combination with an airplane load factor of zero and of two-thirds of the positive maneuvering factor used in design. In determining the resulting control surface deflections, the torsional flexibility of the wing must be considered in accordance with § 25.301(b): a. Conditions corresponding to steady rolling velocities must be investigated. In addition, conditions corresponding to maximum angular acceleration must be investigated for airplanes with engines or other weight concentrations outboard of the fuselage. For the angular acceleration conditions, zero rolling velocity may be assumed in the absence of a rational time history investigation of the maneuver. b. At VA, sudden movement of the cockpit roll control up to the limit is assumed. The position of the cockpit roll control must be maintained until a steady roll rate is achieved and then must be returned suddenly to the neutral position. c. At VC, the cockpit roll control must be moved suddenly and maintained so as to achieve a roll rate not less than that obtained in paragraph b. d. At VD, the cockpit roll control must be moved suddenly and maintained so as to achieve a roll rate not less than one-third of that obtained in paragraph b. Applicability As discussed above, these special conditions apply to Airbus Model A350–900 series airplanes. Should Airbus apply later for a change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions would apply to that model as well. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES Conclusion This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features on the Airbus Model A350–900 series airplanes. It is not a rule of general applicability. The substance of these special conditions has been subjected to the notice and comment period in several prior instances and has been derived without substantive change from those previously issued. It is unlikely that prior public comment would result in a significant change from the substance contained herein. Therefore, the FAA has determined that prior public notice and comment are unnecessary and impracticable, and good cause exists for adopting these special conditions upon issuance. The FAA is requesting comments to allow interested persons to submit views that may not have been submitted in response to the prior VerDate Mar<15>2010 12:41 Jan 13, 2014 Jkt 232001 Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 22, 2013. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–00451 Filed 1–13–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0635; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–081–AD; Amendment 39–17720; AD 2013–26–11] 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 EC225LP helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the swashplates for corrosion or a crack, and making the appropriate repairs or replacement of parts. This AD was prompted by the discovery of corrosion on the swashplates when the main rotor hub (MRH) assemblies were reconditioned. The actions of this AD are intended to detect corrosion or a crack in the swashplates, which could lead to failure of the swashplates and subsequent loss of helicopter control. DATES: This AD is effective February 18, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of February 18, 2014. 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. 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 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 E:\FR\FM\14JAR1.SGM 14JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2014 / Rules and Regulations New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email gary.b.roach@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On July 23, 2013, at 78 FR 44043, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters with an MRH assembly with a rotating swashplate, part number (P/N) 332A31– 3074–00 or 332A31–3076–00, and stationary swashplate, P/N 332A31– 3079–00 or 332A31–3079–01, installed. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the swashplates for corrosion or a crack, and making the appropriate repairs or replacement of parts. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of the swashplate and subsequent loss of helicopter control. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2012–0131, dated July 31, 2012, issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters. EASA advises that corrosion has been reported on the rotating and stationary swashplates of the MRH assembly of several helicopters. This condition may cause cracks on the swashplates, which may cause failure of MRH parts and loss of control of the helicopter. The EASA AD requires repetitive inspections of the affected swashplates after two years and replacing the MRH assembly if a crack is found. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 44043, July 23, 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 12:41 Jan 13, 2014 Jkt 232001 safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Related Service Information We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225–05A030, Revision 0, dated July 12, 2012 (ASB). The ASB states that while reconditioning the main rotor mast (MRM) assemblies, Eurocopter found corrosion on the rotating and stationary swashplates under the retaining flanges of the swashplate sub-assembly bearing. Over time, this corrosion could initiate a crack. The ASB specifies inspecting the MRM assembly for corrosion or a crack and replacing the MRM assembly if a crack or corrosion is found. The FAA and EASA use the term MRH assembly, while Eurocopter uses MRM assembly to describe the same section of the helicopter. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects three helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • Inspecting the rotating and stationary swashplates for corrosion or a crack requires 8 work-hours for a cost of $680 per helicopter and $2,040 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. Making and installing the placard requires 0.5 work-hour, for a cost of $43 per helicopter. The labor cost of making changes to the flight manual is negligible. • Replacing the MRH assembly requires 24 work-hours and parts cost $5,000, for a total cost of $7,040 per helicopter. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 2367 Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2013–26–11 Eurocopter France Helicopters (Eurocopter): Amendment 39–17720; Docket No. FAA–2013–0635; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–081–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters with a main rotor hub (MRH) assembly with a rotating swashplate, part number (P/N) 332A31–3074–00 or 332A31–3076–00, and stationary swashplate, P/N 332A31–3079–00 or 332A31–3079–01, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion or a crack in the stationary or rotating swashplate of the MRH assembly, which could lead to failure of the swashplate and subsequent loss of helicopter control. E:\FR\FM\14JAR1.SGM 14JAR1 2368 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 9 / Tuesday, January 14, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective February 18, 2014. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate. (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. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225–05A030, Revision 0, dated July 12, 2012. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://www.eurocopter.com/ techpub. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES (e) Required Actions (1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) or before the MRH assembly accumulates 1,320 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,320 hours TIS, visually inspect the rotating and stationary swashplates for corrosion or a crack by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2 and Figures 1 through 3, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225–05A030, Revision 0, dated July 12, 2012 (ASB). (2) If a crack exists in the rotating or stationary swashplates, replace the MRH assembly with an airworthy MRH assembly. (3) If corrosion exists without any visual indication of cracking, do the following: (i) Before further flight, install a placard stating ‘‘NO FLIGHT IN OAT BELOW ¥30 °C’’ in the full view of the pilots and add the statement ‘‘NO FLIGHT IN OAT BELOW ¥30 °C’’ to the Operating Limitations Section of the helicopter’s Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by making pen and ink changes or by inserting a copy of this AD in Section 2.3 Flight Envelope, Item 2 Temperature Limits. (ii) Within 150 hours TIS or 6 months after the inspection when the corrosion was first detected, whichever occurs first, replace the MRH assembly with an airworthy assembly. Remove any placard that states ‘‘NO FLIGHT IN OAT BELOW ¥30 °C’’ from the helicopter and remove any related limitation from the RFM. (4) Replacement of an MRH assembly does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. (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 The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) You may view EASA AD No. 2012–0131, dated July 31, 2012 at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2013–0635. VerDate Mar<15>2010 12:41 Jan 13, 2014 Jkt 232001 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 24, 2013. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–31447 Filed 1–13–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 95 [Docket No. 30940; Amdt. No. 511] IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, February 6, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harry Hodges, Flight Procedure Standards Branch (AMCAFS–420), Flight Technologies and Programs Division, Flight Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125) telephone: (405) 954–4164. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment to part 95 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 95) amends, suspends, or revokes IFR altitudes governing the operation of all aircraft in flight over a specified route or any portion of that route, as well as the changeover points (COPs) for Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes as prescribed in part 95. The Rule The specified IFR altitudes, when used in conjunction with the prescribed changeover points for those routes, ensure navigation aid coverage that is adequate for safe flight operations and free of frequency interference. The reasons and circumstances that create the need for this amendment involve matters of flight safety and operational efficiency in the National Airspace System, are related to published aeronautical charts that are essential to the user, and provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace. In addition, those various reasons or circumstances require making this amendment effective before the next scheduled charting and publication date of the flight information to assure its timely availability to the user. The effective date of this amendment reflects those considerations. In view of the close and immediate relationship between these regulatory changes and safety in air commerce, I find that notice and public procedure before adopting this amendment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest and that good cause exists for making the amendment effective in less than 30 days. Conclusion The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. It, therefore—(1) is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under E:\FR\FM\14JAR1.SGM 14JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 14, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2366-2368]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-31447]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0635; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-081-AD; 
Amendment 39-17720; AD 2013-26-11]
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 EC225LP helicopters. This AD 
requires inspecting the swashplates for corrosion or a crack, and 
making the appropriate repairs or replacement of parts. This AD was 
prompted by the discovery of corrosion on the swashplates when the main 
rotor hub (MRH) assemblies were reconditioned. The actions of this AD 
are intended to detect corrosion or a crack in the swashplates, which 
could lead to failure of the swashplates and subsequent loss of 
helicopter control.

DATES: This AD is effective February 18, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of February 18, 
2014.

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

[[Page 2367]]

New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email gary.b.roach@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On July 23, 2013, at 78 FR 44043, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Eurocopter Model 
EC225LP helicopters with an MRH assembly with a rotating swashplate, 
part number (P/N) 332A31-3074-00 or 332A31-3076-00, and stationary 
swashplate, P/N 332A31-3079-00 or 332A31-3079-01, installed. The NPRM 
proposed to require inspecting the swashplates for corrosion or a 
crack, and making the appropriate repairs or replacement of parts. The 
proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of the 
swashplate and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2012-0131, dated July 31, 2012, 
issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct 
an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters. EASA 
advises that corrosion has been reported on the rotating and stationary 
swashplates of the MRH assembly of several helicopters. This condition 
may cause cracks on the swashplates, which may cause failure of MRH 
parts and loss of control of the helicopter. The EASA AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the affected swashplates after two years and 
replacing the MRH assembly if a crack is found.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 44043, July 23, 
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

    We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-05A030, 
Revision 0, dated July 12, 2012 (ASB). The ASB states that while 
reconditioning the main rotor mast (MRM) assemblies, Eurocopter found 
corrosion on the rotating and stationary swashplates under the 
retaining flanges of the swashplate sub-assembly bearing. Over time, 
this corrosion could initiate a crack. The ASB specifies inspecting the 
MRM assembly for corrosion or a crack and replacing the MRM assembly if 
a crack or corrosion is found. The FAA and EASA use the term MRH 
assembly, while Eurocopter uses MRM assembly to describe the same 
section of the helicopter.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects three helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting the rotating and stationary swashplates for 
corrosion or a crack requires 8 work-hours for a cost of $680 per 
helicopter and $2,040 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. Making 
and installing the placard requires 0.5 work-hour, for a cost of $43 
per helicopter. The labor cost of making changes to the flight manual 
is negligible.
     Replacing the MRH assembly requires 24 work-hours and 
parts cost $5,000, for a total cost of $7,040 per helicopter.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2013-26-11 Eurocopter France Helicopters (Eurocopter): Amendment 39-
17720; Docket No. FAA-2013-0635; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-081-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters with a 
main rotor hub (MRH) assembly with a rotating swashplate, part 
number (P/N) 332A31-3074-00 or 332A31-3076-00, and stationary 
swashplate, P/N 332A31-3079-00 or 332A31-3079-01, installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion or a crack in 
the stationary or rotating swashplate of the MRH assembly, which 
could lead to failure of the swashplate and subsequent loss of 
helicopter control.

[[Page 2368]]

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective February 18, 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 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) or before the MRH 
assembly accumulates 1,320 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,320 hours TIS, visually 
inspect the rotating and stationary swashplates for corrosion or a 
crack by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.2 
and Figures 1 through 3, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 
EC225-05A030, Revision 0, dated July 12, 2012 (ASB).
    (2) If a crack exists in the rotating or stationary swashplates, 
replace the MRH assembly with an airworthy MRH assembly.
    (3) If corrosion exists without any visual indication of 
cracking, do the following:
    (i) Before further flight, install a placard stating ``NO FLIGHT 
IN OAT BELOW -30 [deg]C'' in the full view of the pilots and add the 
statement ``NO FLIGHT IN OAT BELOW -30 [deg]C'' to the Operating 
Limitations Section of the helicopter's Rotorcraft Flight Manual 
(RFM) by making pen and ink changes or by inserting a copy of this 
AD in Section 2.3 Flight Envelope, Item 2 Temperature Limits.
    (ii) Within 150 hours TIS or 6 months after the inspection when 
the corrosion was first detected, whichever occurs first, replace 
the MRH assembly with an airworthy assembly. Remove any placard that 
states ``NO FLIGHT IN OAT BELOW -30 [deg]C'' from the helicopter and 
remove any related limitation from the RFM.
    (4) Replacement of an MRH assembly does not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) You may view EASA AD No. 2012-0131, dated July 31, 
2012 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it 
in Docket No. FAA-2013-0635.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor 
Mast/Swashplate.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. EC225-05A030, Revision 
0, dated July 12, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, 
contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax 
(972) 641-3775; or at https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 24, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-31447 Filed 1-13-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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