Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Helicopters, 7386-7388 [2014-01952]
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7386
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 26 / Friday, February 7, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(m) Related Information
14 CFR Part 39
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
Airworthiness Directive CF–2010–18R1,
dated March 19, 2012, for related
information. You may examine the MCAI in
the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-0997-0003.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference may
be obtained at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (n)(5) and (n)(6) of this AD.
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0039; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–058–AD; Amendment
39–17737; AD 2014–02–09]
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
10, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–02468 Filed 2–6–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
16:20 Feb 06, 2014
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France (Eurocopter) Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
Jkt 232001
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter Model EC225LP and
AS332L1 helicopters with emergency
floatation gear. The AD requires, before
the next overwater flight, inspecting the
strap installation on the hinged rods of
the emergency flotation gear on both
rear cradles for correct installation. If a
strap is installed under the hinged rod
median plate rather than over it,
reinstalling the strap is required. The
AD is prompted by incorrect routing of
the straps on the hinged rods of the
emergency flotation gear rear cradles.
The actions are intended to detect
incorrect strap installation and prevent
failure of the rods or straps upon
deployment of the emergency flotation
gear, incorrect float position, and
subsequent capsizing of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
February 24, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of February 24, 2014.
We must receive comments on this
AD by April 8, 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.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not provide you with notice and
an opportunity to provide your
comments prior to it becoming effective.
However, 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 resulted from
adopting this AD. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the AD, 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 them 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
rulemaking during the comment period.
We will consider all the comments we
receive and may conduct additional
rulemaking based on those comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on March 14, 2014.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–27–
059, Revision B, dated September 26, 2013.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on March 14, 2011 (76 FR
6539, February 7, 2011).
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–27–
055, Revision A, dated August 6, 2010.
(ii) Reserved.
(5) For service information identified in
ˆ
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´
Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514–
855–7401; email thd.crj@
aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://
www.bombardier.com.
(6) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(7) 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.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
Federal Aviation Administration
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 European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
incorporated by reference service
information, 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 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
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
gary.b.roach@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We are adopting a new AD for
Eurocopter Model EC225LP and
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 26 / Friday, February 7, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
AS332L1 helicopters. The AD requires,
before the next overwater flight,
inspecting the strap installation on the
hinged rods of the emergency flotation
gear for both rear cradles for correct
installation. If at least one strap is
incorrectly installed, the AD requires
reinstalling the strap over the hinged
rod median plate rather than under it.
The AD is prompted by incorrect
routing of the straps on Model EC225LP.
Investigation indicates that the
maintenance work cards and tasks for
Model EC225LP and AS332L1
helicopters are not specific enough to
describe the removal or installation of
the emergency flotation gear rear cradle
assembly, which can lead to incorrect
routing of the straps. The maintenance
work cards and tasks for other
Eurocopter helicopters are more precise
about the removal or installation for the
rear cradle.
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013–
0237–E, dated September 26, 2013, to
correct an unsafe condition for
Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters
equipped with emergency flotation gear
and Model AS332L1 helicopters
equipped with emergency flotation gear
with Eurocopter Modification (MOD)
OP26277. EASA advises of incorrect
routing of the straps on the hinged rods
of left-hand (LH) side and right-hand
(RH) side rear cradles of the emergency
flotation gear installation on several
recently delivered Model EC225
helicopters. According to EASA, the
straps were routed over the median
plate of the hinged rod instead of under
it. EASA further advises that some
Model AS332L1 helicopters (those
incorporating MOD OP26277) are
equipped with an emergency flotation
gear of similar design. EASA states that
this condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to failure of the
hinged rods and straps upon
deployment of the emergency flotation
gear during ditching and consequent
unsafe positioning of the rear floats,
possibly resulting in a helicopter
capsizing. Therefore, the EASA AD
requires a one-time inspection of the
hinged rods of the emergency flotation
gear LH and RH rear cradles and
accomplishing applicable corrective
actions.
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
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:20 Feb 06, 2014
Jkt 232001
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.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued one Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin (EASB), Revision
0, dated September 25, 2013, with four
different numbers: No. 25.02.76 relates
to the FAA type-certificated Model
AS332L1 helicopter and to the military
Model AS332M1 helicopter. No.
25.01.62 relates to military Model
AS532AL and UL helicopters. No.
25A142 relates to the FAA typecertificated Model EC225LP helicopter.
No. 25A060 relates to the military
Model EC725AP helicopter. The EASB
specifies checking the routing of the
straps on the hinged rods of the
emergency flotation gear LH and RH
rear cradles and making the installation
compliant if necessary.
AD Requirements
The AD requires before the next
overwater flight:
• Inspecting the strap installation on
the hinged rods of the emergency
flotation gear on both rear cradles for
correct installation.
• If any strap is routed under the
hinged rod’s median plate, reinstalling
the strap so that the strap is routed over
the median plate.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
14 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We
estimate that operators may incur the
following costs in order to comply with
this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85
per work hour. We estimate 0.25 workhour to inspect each helicopter for
correct installation of the strap for a
total of $21 per helicopter and $294 for
the fleet. We estimate 0.5 work-hour to
correct any improper installation of the
straps for a total of $43 per helicopter.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
Providing an opportunity for public
comments prior to adopting these AD
requirements would delay
implementing the safety actions needed
to correct this known unsafe condition.
The required corrective actions must be
done prior to the next overwater flight,
which are prohibited until the
inspection of the strap for incorrect
routing on the hinged rods of the rear
cradles of the emergency flotation gear
installation is done. Therefore, we find
that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment period
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7387
prior to adopting this rule because some
of these helicopters are used exclusively
for offshore operations.
Since an unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD, we determined that notice and
opportunity for public comment before
issuing this AD are impracticable and
that good cause exists for making this
amendment effective in less than 30
days.
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 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, 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.
E:\FR\FM\07FER1.SGM
07FER1
7388
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 26 / Friday, February 7, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
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):
■
2014–02–09 Eurocopter France:
Amendment 39–17737; Docket No.
FAA–2014–0039; Directorate Identifier
2013–SW–058–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model EC225LP
helicopters with emergency flotation gear
installed and Model AS332L1 helicopters
with emergency flotation gear with
Eurocopter Modification OP26277 installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
incorrect routing of a strap under the hinged
rod median plate of an emergency flotation
gear rear cradle. This condition could result
in failure of the rods or straps upon
deployment of the emergency flotation gear,
incorrect float position, and subsequent
capsizing of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 24,
2014.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
(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) Before the next overwater flight, inspect
each left hand and right hand rear cradle
strap on the hinged rods of the emergency
flotation gear for correct installation as
shown in Photo 1, Figure 1, of Eurocopter
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
25A142, Revision 0, dated September 25,
2013 (EASB No. 25A142), for Model
EC225LP helicopters or EASB No. 25.02.76,
Revision 0, dated September 25, 2013 (EASB
No. 25.02.76), for Model AS332L1
helicopters. Both straps must be installed
over the hinged rod’s median plate.
(2) If any strap is installed under the plate
as shown in Photo 2, Figure 1, of EASB No.
25A142 or No. 25.02.76, reinstall each
incorrectly routed strap so that each strap is
installed over the plate as depicted in Figure
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:20 Feb 06, 2014
Jkt 232001
2 and Figure 3 of EASB No. 25A142 or No.
25.02.76, as applicable to your model
helicopter.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited for
flights over water.
(g) 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.
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2013–0237–E, dated September 26, 2013.
You may view the EASA AD at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2014–0039.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3212 Emergency Flotation Section.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Eurocopter EASB No. 25.02.76, Revision
0, dated September 25, 2013.
(ii) Eurocopter EASB No. 25A142, Revision
0, dated September 25, 2013.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Eurocopter
EASB No. 25.02.76, Revision 0, dated
September 25, 2013, and Eurocopter EASB
No. 25A142, Revision 0, dated September 25,
2013, are co-published as one document
along with Eurocopter EASB No. 25.01.62,
Revision 0, dated September 25, 2013, and
Eurocopter ASB No. 25A060, Revision 0,
dated September 25, 2013, which are not
incorporated by reference.
(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.
PO 00000
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(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 10,
2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–01952 Filed 2–6–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0888; Directorate
Identifier 2013–CE–024–AD; Amendment
39–17735; AD 2014–02–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni
Aeronautiche Tecnam srl Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl
Model P2006T airplanes. This AD
results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as cracks of the nose landing
gear (NLG) lower link. We are issuing
this AD to require actions to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 14,
2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of March 14, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at
Document Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact Costruzioni
Aeronautiche Tecnam Airworthiness
Office, Via Maiorise–81043 Capua (CE)
Italy; telephone: +39 0823 620134; fax:
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07FER1.SGM
07FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7386-7388]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-01952]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0039; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-058-AD;
Amendment 39-17737; AD 2014-02-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter)
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter Model EC225LP and AS332L1 helicopters with emergency
floatation gear. The AD requires, before the next overwater flight,
inspecting the strap installation on the hinged rods of the emergency
flotation gear on both rear cradles for correct installation. If a
strap is installed under the hinged rod median plate rather than over
it, reinstalling the strap is required. The AD is prompted by incorrect
routing of the straps on the hinged rods of the emergency flotation
gear rear cradles. The actions are intended to detect incorrect strap
installation and prevent failure of the rods or straps upon deployment
of the emergency flotation gear, incorrect float position, and
subsequent capsizing of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 24, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of February 24,
2014.
We must receive comments on this AD by April 8, 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 AD, the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated by reference service information,
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 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 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
gary.b.roach@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the AD, 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 them 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 rulemaking during the
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
We are adopting a new AD for Eurocopter Model EC225LP and
[[Page 7387]]
AS332L1 helicopters. The AD requires, before the next overwater flight,
inspecting the strap installation on the hinged rods of the emergency
flotation gear for both rear cradles for correct installation. If at
least one strap is incorrectly installed, the AD requires reinstalling
the strap over the hinged rod median plate rather than under it. The AD
is prompted by incorrect routing of the straps on Model EC225LP.
Investigation indicates that the maintenance work cards and tasks for
Model EC225LP and AS332L1 helicopters are not specific enough to
describe the removal or installation of the emergency flotation gear
rear cradle assembly, which can lead to incorrect routing of the
straps. The maintenance work cards and tasks for other Eurocopter
helicopters are more precise about the removal or installation for the
rear cradle.
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013-0237-E, dated September 26,
2013, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model EC225LP
helicopters equipped with emergency flotation gear and Model AS332L1
helicopters equipped with emergency flotation gear with Eurocopter
Modification (MOD) OP26277. EASA advises of incorrect routing of the
straps on the hinged rods of left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH)
side rear cradles of the emergency flotation gear installation on
several recently delivered Model EC225 helicopters. According to EASA,
the straps were routed over the median plate of the hinged rod instead
of under it. EASA further advises that some Model AS332L1 helicopters
(those incorporating MOD OP26277) are equipped with an emergency
flotation gear of similar design. EASA states that this condition, if
not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the hinged rods
and straps upon deployment of the emergency flotation gear during
ditching and consequent unsafe positioning of the rear floats, possibly
resulting in a helicopter capsizing. Therefore, the EASA AD requires a
one-time inspection of the hinged rods of the emergency flotation gear
LH and RH rear cradles and accomplishing applicable corrective actions.
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.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB),
Revision 0, dated September 25, 2013, with four different numbers: No.
25.02.76 relates to the FAA type-certificated Model AS332L1 helicopter
and to the military Model AS332M1 helicopter. No. 25.01.62 relates to
military Model AS532AL and UL helicopters. No. 25A142 relates to the
FAA type-certificated Model EC225LP helicopter. No. 25A060 relates to
the military Model EC725AP helicopter. The EASB specifies checking the
routing of the straps on the hinged rods of the emergency flotation
gear LH and RH rear cradles and making the installation compliant if
necessary.
AD Requirements
The AD requires before the next overwater flight:
Inspecting the strap installation on the hinged rods of
the emergency flotation gear on both rear cradles for correct
installation.
If any strap is routed under the hinged rod's median
plate, reinstalling the strap so that the strap is routed over the
median plate.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 14 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in
order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work
hour. We estimate 0.25 work-hour to inspect each helicopter for correct
installation of the strap for a total of $21 per helicopter and $294
for the fleet. We estimate 0.5 work-hour to correct any improper
installation of the straps for a total of $43 per helicopter.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. The required corrective
actions must be done prior to the next overwater flight, which are
prohibited until the inspection of the strap for incorrect routing on
the hinged rods of the rear cradles of the emergency flotation gear
installation is done. Therefore, we find that the risk to the flying
public justifies waiving notice and comment period prior to adopting
this rule because some of these helicopters are used exclusively for
offshore operations.
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
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 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, 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.
[[Page 7388]]
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):
2014-02-09 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-17737; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0039; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-058-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model EC225LP helicopters with emergency
flotation gear installed and Model AS332L1 helicopters with
emergency flotation gear with Eurocopter Modification OP26277
installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrect routing of a
strap under the hinged rod median plate of an emergency flotation
gear rear cradle. This condition could result in failure of the rods
or straps upon deployment of the emergency flotation gear, incorrect
float position, and subsequent capsizing of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 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) Before the next overwater flight, inspect each left hand and
right hand rear cradle strap on the hinged rods of the emergency
flotation gear for correct installation as shown in Photo 1, Figure
1, of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25A142,
Revision 0, dated September 25, 2013 (EASB No. 25A142), for Model
EC225LP helicopters or EASB No. 25.02.76, Revision 0, dated
September 25, 2013 (EASB No. 25.02.76), for Model AS332L1
helicopters. Both straps must be installed over the hinged rod's
median plate.
(2) If any strap is installed under the plate as shown in Photo
2, Figure 1, of EASB No. 25A142 or No. 25.02.76, reinstall each
incorrectly routed strap so that each strap is installed over the
plate as depicted in Figure 2 and Figure 3 of EASB No. 25A142 or No.
25.02.76, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited for flights over water.
(g) 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.
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-0237-E, dated September 26, 2013. You may
view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-
2014-0039.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212 Emergency
Flotation Section.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Eurocopter EASB No. 25.02.76, Revision 0, dated September
25, 2013.
(ii) Eurocopter EASB No. 25A142, Revision 0, dated September 25,
2013.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Eurocopter EASB No. 25.02.76,
Revision 0, dated September 25, 2013, and Eurocopter EASB No.
25A142, Revision 0, dated September 25, 2013, are co-published as
one document along with Eurocopter EASB No. 25.01.62, Revision 0,
dated September 25, 2013, and Eurocopter ASB No. 25A060, Revision 0,
dated September 25, 2013, which are not incorporated by reference.
(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 January 10, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-01952 Filed 2-6-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
