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