Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters), 11701-11703 [2014-04314]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 41 / Monday, March 3, 2014 / Rules and Regulations AgustaWestland S.p.A) (AgustaWestland): Amendment 39– 17773; Docket No. FAA–2013–0643; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–096–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to AgustaWestland Model A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters with a main rotor lag damper assembly (lag damper), part number (P/N) 109–0112–39–103, 109–0112–39–105, 109– 0112–05–105, or 109–0112–05–107, installed with a rod end assembly, P/N M004– 01H007–041 or M004–01H007–045, with a serial number (S/N) 84 through 132, or 4964 through 5011, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a rod end assembly, which could result in fracture of the rod end assembly, damage to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 7, 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 25 hours time-in-service, remove the rod end assembly from service. (2) Do not install a rod end assembly, P/ N M004–01H007–041 or M004–01H007–045, with a S/N 84 through 132 or 4964 through 5011, on any helicopter. (f) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES (g) Additional Information (1) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S–49, No. 109SP–052, and No. 119–50, all dated October 3, 2012, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact AgustaWestland, Product Support Engineering, Via del Gregge, 100, 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Maurizio D’Angelo; telephone 39–0331–664757; fax 39–0331–664680; or at https:// www.agustawestland.com/technicalbulletins. You may review the referenced 16:16 Feb 28, 2014 Jkt 232001 (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 20, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–04310 Filed 2–28–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0770; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–057–AD; Amendment 39–17771; AD 2014–04–12] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222– 5110; email robert.grant@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. VerDate Mar<15>2010 service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2012–0208, dated October 5, 2012. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2013–0643. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD adds a new operating limitation that requires increasing the minimum density altitude flight limitation for helicopters without certain Eurocopter modifications installed. This AD is prompted by a report that flights below a certain density altitude create oscillations in the main rotor which can transfer dynamic loads to the structure, the main gearbox (MGB), and the main servo-control inputs, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective April 7, 2014. 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 ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 11701 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, 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 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. 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 On September 6, 2013, at 78 FR 54792, 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 France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC225LP helicopters, except those with certain modifications (MODs) installed. The NPRM proposed to require, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), amending the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to limit minimum flight altitude to ¥2,000 feet density altitude. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent oscillations in the main rotor that can transfer dynamic loads to the structure, the MGB, and the main servo-control inputs, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2008–0007R3, dated May 12, 2010, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD No. 2008–0007R3 to correct an unsafe condition for Model EC 225 LP helicopters that are ‘‘not equipped of all three modifications MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583, or, if not equipped of MOD 0726592, or, if equipped with all three modifications MOD 0726606, MOD 0726610, MOD 0726611 and missing accomplishment E:\FR\FM\03MRR1.SGM 03MRR1 11702 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 41 / Monday, March 3, 2014 / Rules and Regulations of MOD 0726632.’’ EASA advises that the main rotor control linkage has a coupling between the MGB motion and the main servo-control inputs. According to EASA, in certain flight conditions with increased air density, this design generates ‘‘spurious’’ 14 Hertz control inputs in the main rotor, which, in return, transfer dynamic loads to the structure. These return dynamic loads give feedback to the MGB motion, inducing a continuous vibration phenomenon. EASA states that flight tests have demonstrated that below certain density altitudes, the occurrence of the vibration phenomenon is significantly increased or even diverges, which could lead to the loss of control of the helicopter. EASA advises that Eurocopter has continued to develop MODs for correcting the vibrations below certain density altitudes, and therefore, helicopters with certain MODs installed are exempt from the applicability of EASA AD No. 2008– 0007R3. To correct this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD No. 2008–0007R3, which requires revising the RFM to prohibit operation below ¥2,000 feet density altitude for helicopters without certain modifications installed. Since we issued the NPRM, Eurocopter France has changed its name to Airbus Helicopters. This AD reflects that change and updates the contact information to obtain service information. 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 54792, September 6, 2013). mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES 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 the name change from Eurocopter France to Airbus Helicopters. This change is consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 54792, September 6, 2013) and will not increase the VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:16 Feb 28, 2014 Jkt 232001 economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD specifies a compliance time of 30 days, while this AD requires compliance within 50 hours TIS. Related Service Information Eurocopter has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 04A001, Revision 3, dated May 6, 2010, which specifies inserting RFM revision ‘‘Normal Revision RN11 (10–04) or later, associated with conditional revision RCe (10–04) or later’’ into the RFM for helicopters equipped with screen air intakes and inserting ‘‘Normal Revision RN21 (10–05) or later, associated with conditional revision RCe (10–04) or later’’ into the RFM for helicopters equipped with multi-purpose air intakes. Both RFM revisions limit the minimum altitude for flight to ¥2,000 feet density altitude. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect three helicopters of U.S. Registry and that the costs to comply with this AD by revising the RFM are negligible. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on 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. PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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): ■ 2014–04–12 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France): Amendment 39– 17771; Docket No. FAA–2013–0770; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–057–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category, except helicopters with the following modifications (MOD) installed: (1) MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583; (2) MOD 0726592; or (3) MOD 0726632. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as oscillations in the main rotor which can transfer dynamic loads to the structure, the main gearbox (MGB), and the main servocontrol inputs, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 7, 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:\FR\FM\03MRR1.SGM 03MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 41 / Monday, March 3, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (e) Required Action DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Within 50 hours time-in-service, revise the Operating Limitations section of the Eurocopter EC225LP Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting a copy of this AD into Section 2.3 of the RFM, or by making pen and ink changes as follows. Under paragraph 1, Altitude Limits, add the phrase: The minimum altitude is limited to ¥2,000 feet density altitude. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 04A001, Revision 3, dated May 4, 2010, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact 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. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2008–0007R3, dated May 12, 2010. You may view the EASA AD in the AD docket on the Internet at http:/www.regulations.gov. (h) Subject. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2200: Auto Flight System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 19, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:16 Feb 28, 2014 Jkt 232001 14 CFR Part 97 [Docket No. 30941; Amdt. No. 3575] Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: (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. [FR Doc. 2014–04314 Filed 2–28–14; 8:45 am] Federal Aviation Administration SUMMARY: This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports. This rule is effective March 3, 2014. The compliance date for each SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums, and ODP is specified in the amendatory provisions. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 3, 2014. ADDRESSES: Availability of matters incorporated by reference in the amendment is as follows: For Examination— 1. FAA Rules Docket, FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; 2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located; 3. The National Flight Procedures Office, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169 or, 4. 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/code_of_federal_ regulations/ibr_locations.html. Availability—All SIAPs and Takeoff Minimums and ODPs are available DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 11703 online free of charge. Visit https:// www.nfdc.faa.gov to register. Additionally, individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from: 1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA– 200), FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; or 2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard A. Dunham III, Flight Procedure Standards Branch (AFS–420), Flight Technologies and Programs Divisions, 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 rule amends Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97), by establishing, amending, suspending, or revoking SIAPs, Takeoff Minimums and/or ODPs. The complete regulators description of each SIAP and its associated Takeoff Minimums or ODP for an identified airport is listed on FAA form documents which are incorporated by reference in this amendment under 5 U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and 14 CFR part 97.20. The applicable FAA Forms are FAA Forms 8260–3, 8260–4, 8260–5, 8260–15A, and 8260–15B when required by an entry on 8260–15A. The large number of SIAPs, Takeoff Minimums and ODPs, in addition to their complex nature and the need for a special format make publication in the Federal Register expensive and impractical. Furthermore, airmen do not use the regulatory text of the SIAPs, Takeoff Minimums or ODPs, but instead refer to their depiction on charts printed by publishers of aeronautical materials. The advantages of incorporation by reference are realized and publication of the complete description of each SIAP, Takeoff Minimums and ODP listed on FAA forms is unnecessary. This amendment provides the affected CFR sections and specifies the types of SIAPs and the effective dates of the associated Takeoff Minimums and ODPs. This amendment also identifies the airport and its location, the procedure, and the amendment number. The Rule This amendment to 14 CFR part 97 is effective upon publication of each separate SIAP, Takeoff Minimums and ODP as contained in the transmittal. Some SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and E:\FR\FM\03MRR1.SGM 03MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 41 (Monday, March 3, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11701-11703]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04314]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0770; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-057-AD; 
Amendment 39-17771; AD 2014-04-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD adds a new 
operating limitation that requires increasing the minimum density 
altitude flight limitation for helicopters without certain Eurocopter 
modifications installed. This AD is prompted by a report that flights 
below a certain density altitude create oscillations in the main rotor 
which can transfer dynamic loads to the structure, the main gearbox 
(MGB), and the main servo-control inputs, which could result in 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective April 7, 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, 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 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

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

    On September 6, 2013, at 78 FR 54792, 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 
France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC225LP helicopters, except those 
with certain modifications (MODs) installed. The NPRM proposed to 
require, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), amending the Rotorcraft 
Flight Manual (RFM) to limit minimum flight altitude to -2,000 feet 
density altitude. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent 
oscillations in the main rotor that can transfer dynamic loads to the 
structure, the MGB, and the main servo-control inputs, which could 
result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2008-0007R3, dated May 12, 2010, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union. EASA issued AD No. 2008-0007R3 to correct an unsafe 
condition for Model EC 225 LP helicopters that are ``not equipped of 
all three modifications MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583, or, 
if not equipped of MOD 0726592, or, if equipped with all three 
modifications MOD 0726606, MOD 0726610, MOD 0726611 and missing 
accomplishment

[[Page 11702]]

of MOD 0726632.'' EASA advises that the main rotor control linkage has 
a coupling between the MGB motion and the main servo-control inputs. 
According to EASA, in certain flight conditions with increased air 
density, this design generates ``spurious'' 14 Hertz control inputs in 
the main rotor, which, in return, transfer dynamic loads to the 
structure. These return dynamic loads give feedback to the MGB motion, 
inducing a continuous vibration phenomenon. EASA states that flight 
tests have demonstrated that below certain density altitudes, the 
occurrence of the vibration phenomenon is significantly increased or 
even diverges, which could lead to the loss of control of the 
helicopter. EASA advises that Eurocopter has continued to develop MODs 
for correcting the vibrations below certain density altitudes, and 
therefore, helicopters with certain MODs installed are exempt from the 
applicability of EASA AD No. 2008-0007R3.
    To correct this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD No. 2008-0007R3, 
which requires revising the RFM to prohibit operation below -2,000 feet 
density altitude for helicopters without certain modifications 
installed.
    Since we issued the NPRM, Eurocopter France has changed its name to 
Airbus Helicopters. This AD reflects that change and updates the 
contact information to obtain service information.

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 54792, 
September 6, 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 the name change 
from Eurocopter France to Airbus Helicopters. This change is consistent 
with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 54792, September 6, 
2013) and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor 
increase the scope of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

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

Related Service Information

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

Costs of Compliance

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

2014-04-12 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-17771; Docket No. FAA-2013-0770; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-057-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC225LP helicopters, certificated in 
any category, except helicopters with the following modifications 
(MOD) installed:
    (1) MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583;
    (2) MOD 0726592; or
    (3) MOD 0726632.

(b) Unsafe Condition

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

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 7, 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.

[[Page 11703]]

(e) Required Action

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

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 04A001, 
Revision 3, dated May 4, 2010, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact 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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2008-0007R3, dated May 12, 2010. You may 
view the EASA AD in the AD docket on the Internet at http:/
www.regulations.gov.

 (h) Subject.

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

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 19, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-04314 Filed 2-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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