Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France), 9395-9397 [2014-02972]
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 33 / Wednesday, February 19, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
MD11–28–126, Revision 4, dated November
29, 2011, except as required by paragraph (j)
of this AD. Do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight.
(1) For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes:
between Stations 1238.950 and 1381.000,
Stations 1238.950 and 1256.000, and Stations
1238.950 and 1256.800, depending on
passenger or freighter configuration.
(2) For Group 2, Configuration 2 airplanes:
between Stations 1238.950 and 1275.250, and
Stations 1238.950 and 1275.250, passenger
configuration only.
(3) For Group 5, Configuration 2 airplanes:
between Stations 1381.000 and 1238.950.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD, using the service
bulletins specified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) or
(i)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126,
Revision 2, dated November 18, 2010, which
is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(ii) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126,
Revision 3, dated June 3, 2011, which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD, using Boeing
Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 3,
dated June 3, 2011, which is not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES
(j) Repair
Where Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–
126, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2009; or
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126,
Revision 4, dated November 29, 2011;
specifies to contact The Boeing Company for
repair instructions: Before further flight,
repair the auxiliary fuel tank in accordance
with a method approved by the Manager, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA. For a repair method to be approved, the
repair must meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and the approval must specifically
refer to this AD.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the Los Angeles
ACO, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD if it is approved by
Structures Authorized Representative for the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation
Option Authorization Organization who has
been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
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method to be approved, the repair must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and 14
CFR 25.571, Amendment 45, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) AMOCs approved for AD 2009–26–16,
Amendment 39–16155 (74 FR 69249,
December 31, 2009), are approved as AMOCs
for the corresponding requirements of this
AD.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(l) Related Information
RIN 2120–AA64
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–
4137; phone: (562) 627–5262; fax: (562) 627–
5210; email: samuel.lee@faa.gov.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference may
be obtained at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (m)(5) and (m)(6) of this AD.
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France)
(m) 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.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on March 26, 2014.
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126,
Revision 4, dated November 29, 2011.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on February 4, 2010, (74 FR
69249, December 31, 2009).
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126,
Revision 1, dated June 18, 2009.
(ii) Reserved.
(5) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC
D800–0019, Long Beach, CA 90846–0001;
telephone 206–544–5000, extension 2; fax
206–766–5683; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com.
(6) You may view this service information
at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
21, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–02997 Filed 2–18–14; 8:45 am]
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0737; Directorate
Identifier 2012–SW–111–AD; Amendment
39–17739; AD 2014–03–02]
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model AS332C, AS332L,
AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting
the crimping of the ball joint of the
upper- and lower- end-fittings of the
main servo-control and, depending on
findings, replacing the main servocontrol or repairing the ball joint. This
AD was prompted by incidents of
missing crimping on the ball joints of
servo-control end-fittings. The actions of
this AD are intended to prevent failure
of a main servo-control upper end
fitting, and subsequent failure of the
flight controls and loss of control of the
helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective March 26,
2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of March 26, 2014.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Airbus
Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax
(972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.airbushelicopters.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 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
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9396
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 33 / Wednesday, February 19, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
Docket Operations Office (phone: 800–
647–5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations
Office, M–30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Wilbanks, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Discussion
On August 20, 2013, at 78 FR 51115,
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 certain Eurocopter France
(Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L,
AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J
helicopters. The NPRM proposed
visually inspecting the applicable ball
joint of the upper and lower end-fittings
of the main servo control for crimping.
If the ball joint of the upper end-fitting
was not crimped and the slipping of the
ball joint was one millimeter (mm) or
greater, the NPRM proposed replacing
the servo-control. If the ball joint of the
upper end-fitting was not crimped and
the slipping of the ball joint was less
than one mm, the NPRM proposed
replacing the servo-control or crimping
the ball joint. If the ball joint of the
lower end-fitting was not crimped, the
NPRM proposed crimping the ball joint.
The proposed requirements were
intended to prevent failure of a main
servo-control upper end fitting, and
subsequent failure of the flight controls
and loss of control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2012–0248, dated November 20, 2012,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Eurocopter Model AS 332
C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS
332 L2, and SA 330 J helicopters with
certain part-numbered main servocontrols installed. EASA advises that
several occurrences were reported to
Eurocopter of missing crimping on ball
joints of servo-control end-fittings.
EASA states that while slipping of the
ball joint of the lower end-fitting does
not affect its service life, slipping of the
ball joint of the upper end-fitting can
lead to a significant reduction of the
service life of this end-fitting. As a
result, the EASA AD requires inspecting
each ball joint for crimping and,
depending on the findings, replacing the
main servo-control.
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Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we did not receive any comments on the
NPRM (78 FR 51115, August 20, 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 except for a minor editorial
change. The type certificate holder’s
name for the affected models in this AD
changed from Eurocopter France to
Airbus Helicopters on January 10, 2014.
This editorial change is consistent with
the intent of the proposals in the NPRM
(78 FR 51115, August 20, 2013) and will
not increase the economic burden on
any operator nor increase the scope of
this AD.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued one Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) with three
different numbers, all Revision 1, and
all dated December 5, 2012. EASB No.
67.00.45 applies to civilian Model
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1,
AS332L2, and military Model AS332B,
AS332B1, AS332M, AS332M1, and
AS332F1 helicopters. EASB No.
67.00.31 applies to military Model
AS532AC, AS532AL, AS532SC,
AS532UC, AS532UE, AS532UL,
AS532A2, and AS532U2 helicopters.
EASB No. 67.19 applies to civilian
Model SA330J and military Model
SA330Ba, SA330Ca, SA330Ea, SA330L,
SA330Jm, SA330S1, and SA330Sm
helicopters. The EASB specifies visually
checking for crimping of the ball joints
of the upper- and lower- servo control
end-fittings and informing the
Eurocopter Technical Support
Department of any ball joint that is not
crimped. For an upper end-fitting ball
joint that is not crimped and slips one
mm or greater, the EASB specifies
returning the servo-control for
replacement of the ball joint and the
end-fitting. For an upper end-fitting ball
joint that is not crimped and slips less
than one mm, the EASB specifies either
crimping the ball joint or returning the
servo-control for ball joint crimping. For
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a lower end-fitting ball joint that is not
crimped, the EASB states to crimp the
ball joint. The EASB also states that if
a ball joint is crimped, no action on that
ball joint is required in regard to this
unsafe condition.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 18
helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate
that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
We estimate it will take 1 work-hour to
inspect the ball joint for crimping at an
average labor cost of $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, it will cost about
$85 per helicopter for the inspection, or
$1,530 for U.S. operators. We estimate it
will take 4 work-hours to replace a
servo-control and parts will cost
approximately $60,358 for a total
estimated cost of $60,698 for
replacement.
According to the Eurocopter service
information some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty
coverage by Airbus Helicopters,
Eurocopter, or UTC Actuation Systems/
Goodrich Actuation Systems.
Accordingly, we have included all costs
in our cost estimate.
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 33 / Wednesday, February 19, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
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):
■
ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES
2014–03–02 Airbus Helicopters (Type
Certificate previously held by
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39–
17739; Docket No. FAA–2013–0737;
Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–111–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following model
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
a part-numbered main servo-control listed
below: overhauled or repaired by UTC
Actuation Systems/Goodrich Actuation
Systems between June 1, 2008, and
September 15, 2012, inclusive; or with a
serial number listed in Appendix 1 of
Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
No. 67.00.45 (EASB 67.00.45) or 67.19 (EASB
67.19), both Revision 1, and both dated
December 5, 2012, as applicable to your
model helicopter:
(1) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, and
AS332L2 helicopters with main servocontrol, part number (P/N) SC7202, SC7202–
(all dash numbers), SC7203, SC7203– (all
dash numbers), SC7221, or SC7221– (all dash
numbers), installed; and
(2) Model SA330J helicopters with main
servo-control P/N SC7111, SC7111– (all dash
numbers) SC7112, or SC7112– (all dash
numbers), installed.
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(b) Unsafe Condition
(h) Subject
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
missing crimping on a ball joint of a main
servo-control end-fitting. This condition
could result in failure of a main servo-control
upper end fitting, failure of the flight
controls, and loss of control of the helicopter.
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6730, Rotor Flight Control—Rotorcraft
Servo System.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective March 26, 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 85 hours time-in-service (TIS):
(i) Using a light source, inspect the ball
joint of the upper end-fitting of the main
servo control for crimping in accordance
with Detail A and Detail B, Figure 1, of
Eurocopter EASB 67.00.45 or EASB 67.19, as
applicable to your model helicopter.
(A) If the upper ball joint is not crimped
and the ball joint slips a distance of 1
millimeter (mm) or greater, replace the servocontrol with an airworthy servo-control.
(B) If the upper ball joint is not crimped
and the ball joint slips a distance of less than
1mm, either crimp the ball joint or replace
the servo-control with an airworthy servocontrol.
(ii) Using a light source, inspect the ball
joint of the lower end-fitting of the main
servo-control for crimping in accordance
with Detail A and Detail B, Figure 1, of
Eurocopter EASB 67.00.45 or EASB 67.19, as
applicable to your model helicopter. If the
lower ball joint is not crimped, crimp the ball
joint.
(2) Prior to installing any servo-control that
is affected by this AD, perform the required
actions in accordance with paragraphs (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: Matt Wilbanks,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and
Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matt.wilbanks@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.
(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 Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 67.00.45, Revision 1, dated
December 5, 2012.
(ii) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 67.19, Revision 1, dated
December 5, 2012.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Eurocopter
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB)
Nos. 67.00.45 and 67.19, both Revision 1, and
both dated December 5, 2012, are copublished as one document along with
Eurocopter EASB No. 67.00.31, Revision 1,
dated December 5, 2012, which is not
incorporated by reference.
(3) For Eurocopter service information
identified in this AD, contact Airbus
Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972)
641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
3775; or at https://
www.airbushelicopters.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.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 24,
2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–02972 Filed 2–18–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2012–0248, dated November 20, 2012.
You may view the EASA AD on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2013–0737.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 19, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9395-9397]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02972]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0737; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-111-AD;
Amendment 39-17739; AD 2014-03-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters.
This AD requires inspecting the crimping of the ball joint of the
upper- and lower- end-fittings of the main servo-control and, depending
on findings, replacing the main servo-control or repairing the ball
joint. This AD was prompted by incidents of missing crimping on the
ball joints of servo-control end-fittings. The actions of this AD are
intended to prevent failure of a main servo-control upper end fitting,
and subsequent failure of the flight controls and loss of control of
the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective March 26, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of March 26, 2014.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at
https://www.airbushelicopters.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 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
[[Page 9396]]
Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On August 20, 2013, at 78 FR 51115, 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 certain Eurocopter
France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J
helicopters. The NPRM proposed visually inspecting the applicable ball
joint of the upper and lower end-fittings of the main servo control for
crimping. If the ball joint of the upper end-fitting was not crimped
and the slipping of the ball joint was one millimeter (mm) or greater,
the NPRM proposed replacing the servo-control. If the ball joint of the
upper end-fitting was not crimped and the slipping of the ball joint
was less than one mm, the NPRM proposed replacing the servo-control or
crimping the ball joint. If the ball joint of the lower end-fitting was
not crimped, the NPRM proposed crimping the ball joint. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent failure of a main servo-control
upper end fitting, and subsequent failure of the flight controls and
loss of control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2012-0248, dated November 20, 2012,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model
AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 L2, and SA 330 J
helicopters with certain part-numbered main servo-controls installed.
EASA advises that several occurrences were reported to Eurocopter of
missing crimping on ball joints of servo-control end-fittings. EASA
states that while slipping of the ball joint of the lower end-fitting
does not affect its service life, slipping of the ball joint of the
upper end-fitting can lead to a significant reduction of the service
life of this end-fitting. As a result, the EASA AD requires inspecting
each ball joint for crimping and, depending on the findings, replacing
the main servo-control.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (78 FR 51115,
August 20, 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 except for a minor editorial
change. The type certificate holder's name for the affected models in
this AD changed from Eurocopter France to Airbus Helicopters on January
10, 2014. This editorial change is consistent with the intent of the
proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 51115, August 20, 2013) and will not
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
this AD.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) with
three different numbers, all Revision 1, and all dated December 5,
2012. EASB No. 67.00.45 applies to civilian Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and military Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332M,
AS332M1, and AS332F1 helicopters. EASB No. 67.00.31 applies to military
Model AS532AC, AS532AL, AS532SC, AS532UC, AS532UE, AS532UL, AS532A2,
and AS532U2 helicopters. EASB No. 67.19 applies to civilian Model
SA330J and military Model SA330Ba, SA330Ca, SA330Ea, SA330L, SA330Jm,
SA330S1, and SA330Sm helicopters. The EASB specifies visually checking
for crimping of the ball joints of the upper- and lower- servo control
end-fittings and informing the Eurocopter Technical Support Department
of any ball joint that is not crimped. For an upper end-fitting ball
joint that is not crimped and slips one mm or greater, the EASB
specifies returning the servo-control for replacement of the ball joint
and the end-fitting. For an upper end-fitting ball joint that is not
crimped and slips less than one mm, the EASB specifies either crimping
the ball joint or returning the servo-control for ball joint crimping.
For a lower end-fitting ball joint that is not crimped, the EASB states
to crimp the ball joint. The EASB also states that if a ball joint is
crimped, no action on that ball joint is required in regard to this
unsafe condition.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 18 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to
comply with this AD. We estimate it will take 1 work-hour to inspect
the ball joint for crimping at an average labor cost of $85 per work-
hour. Based on these figures, it will cost about $85 per helicopter for
the inspection, or $1,530 for U.S. operators. We estimate it will take
4 work-hours to replace a servo-control and parts will cost
approximately $60,358 for a total estimated cost of $60,698 for
replacement.
According to the Eurocopter service information some of the costs
of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by
Airbus Helicopters, Eurocopter, or UTC Actuation Systems/Goodrich
Actuation Systems. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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.
[[Page 9397]]
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):
2014-03-02 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate previously held by
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-17739; Docket No. FAA-2013-0737;
Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-111-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following model helicopters, certificated
in any category, with a part-numbered main servo-control listed
below: overhauled or repaired by UTC Actuation Systems/Goodrich
Actuation Systems between June 1, 2008, and September 15, 2012,
inclusive; or with a serial number listed in Appendix 1 of
Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.00.45 (EASB
67.00.45) or 67.19 (EASB 67.19), both Revision 1, and both dated
December 5, 2012, as applicable to your model helicopter:
(1) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with
main servo-control, part number (P/N) SC7202, SC7202- (all dash
numbers), SC7203, SC7203- (all dash numbers), SC7221, or SC7221-
(all dash numbers), installed; and
(2) Model SA330J helicopters with main servo-control P/N SC7111,
SC7111- (all dash numbers) SC7112, or SC7112- (all dash numbers),
installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as missing crimping on a
ball joint of a main servo-control end-fitting. This condition could
result in failure of a main servo-control upper end fitting, failure
of the flight controls, and loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective March 26, 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 85 hours time-in-service (TIS):
(i) Using a light source, inspect the ball joint of the upper
end-fitting of the main servo control for crimping in accordance
with Detail A and Detail B, Figure 1, of Eurocopter EASB 67.00.45 or
EASB 67.19, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(A) If the upper ball joint is not crimped and the ball joint
slips a distance of 1 millimeter (mm) or greater, replace the servo-
control with an airworthy servo-control.
(B) If the upper ball joint is not crimped and the ball joint
slips a distance of less than 1mm, either crimp the ball joint or
replace the servo-control with an airworthy servo-control.
(ii) Using a light source, inspect the ball joint of the lower
end-fitting of the main servo-control for crimping in accordance
with Detail A and Detail B, Figure 1, of Eurocopter EASB 67.00.45 or
EASB 67.19, as applicable to your model helicopter. If the lower
ball joint is not crimped, crimp the ball joint.
(2) Prior to installing any servo-control that is affected by
this AD, perform the required actions in accordance with paragraphs
(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: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email matt.wilbanks@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) AD No. 2012-0248, dated November 20, 2012. You may
view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA-2013-0737.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6730, Rotor Flight
Control--Rotorcraft Servo System.
(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 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.00.45,
Revision 1, dated December 5, 2012.
(ii) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.19,
Revision 1, dated December 5, 2012.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin (EASB) Nos. 67.00.45 and 67.19, both Revision 1, and both
dated December 5, 2012, are co-published as one document along with
Eurocopter EASB No. 67.00.31, Revision 1, dated December 5, 2012,
which is not incorporated by reference.
(3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD,
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax
(972) 641-3775; or at https://www.airbushelicopters.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 24, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-02972 Filed 2-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
