Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters), 13521-13524 [2014-04724]
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 47 / Tuesday, March 11, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
to exceed 12 months, using a light source
visually inspect the tappings, middle hole,
and external surface of each turnbuckle for
corrosion or a crack. Indications of corrosion
include dirt, a bulge, faded paint, a powdery
deposit, or a pit that is white or red in color.
(i) If there is corrosion or a crack on the
tappings or middle hole of the internal
surface of a turnbuckle, replace the
turnbuckle before further flight.
(ii) If there is a crack on the external
surface of a turnbuckle, replace the
turnbuckle before further flight.
(iii) If there is corrosion on the external
surface of the turnbuckle, remove the
corrosion, recondition the surface, and
measure the corrosion depth in accordance
with paragraph 3.B.2.b.2 of Eurocopter Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225–05A031,
ASB No. AS332–05.00.95, or ASB No.
SA330–05.98, all Revision 1, and all dated
June 5, 2013, as applicable to your model
helicopter, except that you are not required
to interpret the results per ASB paragraph
1.E.2.
(A) If the measured corrosion depth is
greater than 0.3 mm, replace the turnbuckle
before further flight.
(B) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.3
mm or less, do the following:
(1) Before further flight, treat the
turnbuckle for corrosion in accordance with
paragraph 3.B.2.c of ASB No. EC225–05A031,
ASB No. AS332–05.00.95, or ASB No.
SA330–05.98, all Revision 1, and all dated
June 5, 2013, as applicable to your model
helicopter.
(2) Within 6 months from when the
turnbuckle is treated for corrosion, replace
the turnbuckle.
(2) After installation of a turnbuckle, P/N
330A27–5031–20, with greater than 0 hours
TIS, before next flight accomplish the actions
of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
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The subject of this AD is addressed in the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2013–0081, dated March 26, 2013 and
EASA AD No. 2013–0081R1, dated June 20,
2013. You may view the EASA ADs on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA 2013–0872.
Jkt 232001
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February
20, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(h) Additional Information
16:00 Mar 10, 2014
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
EC225–05A031, Revision 1, dated June 5,
2013.
(ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
AS332–05.00.95, Revision 1, dated June 5,
2013.
(iii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
SA330–05.98, Revision 1, dated June 5, 2013.
(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.
[FR Doc. 2014–04695 Filed 3–10–14; 8:45 am]
(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
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6700, Rotorcraft Flight Control.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0826; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–046–AD; Amendment
39–17788; AD 2014–05–15]
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:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
SUMMARY:
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13521
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332L,
AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J
helicopters. This AD prohibits use of the
hydraulic hoist in helicopters equipped
with certain parts and configurations
until a hoist beam lower fitting protector
is installed. This AD was prompted by
a report that the hoist cable jammed
during a rescue at sea. The actions of
this AD are intended to prevent the
hoist cable from jamming and
subsequent cable failure, which could
result in injury and damage to the
helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective April 15,
2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of April 15, 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
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:
Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft
Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone
817–222–5110; email robert.grant@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On September 26, 2013, at 78 FR
59306, 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 47 / Tuesday, March 11, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
(Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L,
AS332 L1, and AS332 L2 helicopters
with a hoist beam, Part Number (P/N)
330A87–2345–00, –01, –02, –03, –04,
–05, or –06, installed with a single or
double hoist plate; and Eurocopter
Model SA330J helicopters with a hoist
beam, P/N 330A87–2345–00, –01, –02,
–03, –04, –05, or –06, installed with a
single hoist plate. The NPRM proposed
to prohibit use of the hydraulic hoist in
helicopters equipped with certain parts
and configurations until a hoist beam
lower fitting protector was installed.
The proposed requirements were
intended to prevent the hoist cable from
jamming and subsequent cable failure,
which could result in injury and
damage to the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD
2009–0271R1, dated July 8, 2011, issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Eurocopter Model AS332C,
AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2 and
SA330J helicopters with certain hoist
beams installed. EASA advises that
during a hoisting operation, a hydraulic
hoist cable jammed against the base of
the supporting strut of a dual hoist tray
installation. According to EASA, the
load was transferred to the back-up
electrical hoist and safely brought on
board. However, the jamming of the
hydraulic hoist cable against the strut
damaged the back-up electrical hoist
power supply harness, which is routed
through the area, resulting in a short
circuit that fused and ruptured the
cable. EASA reports that this condition,
if not corrected, could lead to further
incidents of hoist cable jamming and
subsequent cable failure, which could
result in personal injuries and damage
to the helicopter.
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
documentation. We also corrected an
error in the date of issue for Eurocopter
Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.39 in the
Required Actions paragraph and
Differences section of this AD to reflect
the correct date of July 6, 2011. We have
corrected a math error in the total cost
per helicopter for installation of the
hoist beam lower fitting protector and
short footstep with lower side protector
for certain AS332 helicopters in the Cost
section. Finally, we have corrected our
Joint Aircraft Service Component Code
in the Subject paragraph of this AD to
2500, Cabin Equipment/Furnishings.
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16:00 Mar 10, 2014
Jkt 232001
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we received no comments on the NPRM
(78 FR 59306, September 26, 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 minor changes
previously described. These changes are
consistent with the intent of the
proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 59306,
September 26, 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
Our AD differs from the EASA AD as
follows:
The EASA AD requires certain actions
before the next flight, while we require
the same actions before the next
hoisting operation.
The EASA AD sets calendar dates for
compliance that have since passed,
while we set compliance based on hours
time-in-service.
The EASA AD misidentifies the
Eurocopter SA330J service bulletin
number and paragraph number in its
required actions for Model SA330J
helicopters. This AD requires
compliance with paragraph 2.B.4 of
Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 25.39, Revision 3, dated
July 6, 2011.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued one Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin (EASB), Revision
3, dated July 6, 2011, with three
different numbers. EASB No. 25.02.08 is
for civil and military Model AS332series helicopters; EASB No. 25.01.29 is
for military Model AS532-series
helicopters; and EASB No. 25.39 is for
civil and military Model SA330-series
helicopters. The EASB originally
provided instructions to prevent the
main hydraulic hoist cable from
becoming jammed and damaged in the
fixed fitting of the hoist beam lower
fitting. The revisions add further
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instructions and expand the effectivity
to more helicopters and helicopter
equipment configurations. The revisions
also extend some compliance deadlines,
and revise some instructions to account
for improved installation procedures.
After further investigation, the most
recent revisions remove some helicopter
models from the list of applicable
helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 20
helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
work hours average $85 an hour. Based
on these estimates, we expect the
following costs:
• The cost for installing and removing
placards is minimal.
• Disabling the hoist pyrotechnic
shear function requires 1 work-hour. No
parts are needed for a cost of $85 per
helicopter, $1,700 for the U.S. fleet.
• Installation of the hoist beam lower
fitting protector for Model AS332
helicopters without a right hand (RH)
sliding door and without a short
footstep requires 6 work-hours for a
labor cost of $510 per helicopter. Parts
cost $4,760 for a total cost of $5,270 per
helicopter.
• Installation of the hoist beam lower
fitting protector and short footstep with
lower side protector for Model AS332
helicopters without a RH sliding door
and with a short footstep requires 12
work-hours for a labor cost of $1020 per
helicopter. Parts cost $26,891 for a total
cost of $27,911 per helicopter.
• Installation of the hoist beam
protector for Model AS332 helicopters
with a RH sliding door requires 3 workhours for a labor cost of $255 per
helicopter. Parts cost $20,858 for a total
cost of $21,113 per helicopter.
• Installation of the hoist beam
protector for Model SA330J helicopters
requires 3 work-hours for a labor cost of
$255 per helicopter. Parts cost $4,774
for a total cost of $5,029 per helicopter.
• Enabling the hoist pyrotechnic
shear function requires 1 work-hour. No
parts are needed for a cost of $85 per
helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 47 / Tuesday, March 11, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2014–05–15 Airbus Helicopters (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39–
17788; Docket No. FAA–2013–0826;
Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–046–AD.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:00 Mar 10, 2014
Jkt 232001
(a) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to the following
helicopters, certificated in any category:
(i) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332 L1, and
AS332 L2 helicopters with a hoist beam, Part
Number (P/N) 330A87–2345–00, –01, –02,
–03, –04, –05, or –06, installed with a single
or double hoist plate; and
(ii) Model SA330J helicopters with a hoist
beam, P/N 330A87–2345–00, –01, –02, –03,
–04, –05, or –06, installed with a single hoist
plate.
(b) Unsafe Condition
The unsafe condition is defined as hoist
cable jamming and subsequent cable failure,
which could result in injuries or damage to
the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective April 15, 2014.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Before the next hoist operation:
(i) For all helicopters, install a placard in
full view of the hoist operator that states: IN
CASE OF CABLE JAM AGAINST STRUT DO
NOT ATTEMPT TO RAISE OR LOWER
LOAD.
(ii) For helicopters with a hoist control
electrical harness routed at the base of the
hoist supporting strut:
(A) Disable the hoist pyrotechnic shear
function.
(B) Install a placard on the instrument
panel in full view of the flight crew that
states: HOIST PYROTECHNIC SHEAR
FUNCTION DISABLED.
(C) Install a placard in full view of the
hoist operator that states: HOIST
PYROTECHNIC SHEAR FUNCTION
DISABLED. IN CASE OF NECESSITY, CUT
THE HOIST CABLE WITH THE SHEARS
LOCATED IN THE CABIN.
(iii) For helicopters listed in paragraph
(a)(1)(i) of this AD with a tray-mounted
double hoist installed with the back-up
electrical hoist power supply harness routed
at the base of the hoist supporting strut, do
one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting
protector in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
2.B.2.b of Eurocopter Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin No. 25.02.08, Revision 3,
dated July 6, 2011 (EASB No. 25.02.08), and
if a short footstep, P/N 332P21–9000–00 or
332P21–2052–01, is installed, also install the
short footstep with lower side protector in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.c.2, of EASB
No. 25.02.08; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view
of the flight crew and one in full view of the
hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT
OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS
PROHIBITED.
(2) Within 60 hours time-in-service:
(i) For helicopters listed in paragraph
(a)(1)(i) of this AD without a tray-mounted
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13523
double hoist installed with the back-up
electrical hoist power supply harness routed
at the base of the hoist supporting strut and
without a right hand sliding door, P/N
332A22–1165–01, installed, do one of the
following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting
protecter in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
2.B.2.b, of EASB No. 25.02.08 and if a short
footstep, P/N 332P21–9000–00 or 332P21–
2052–01, is installed, also install the short
footstep with lower side protector in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.c.2, of EASB
No. 25.02.08; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view
of the flight crew and one in full view of the
hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT
OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS
PROHIBITED.
(ii) For helicopters listed in paragraph
(a)(1)(i) of this AD with a right hand sliding
door, P/N 332A22–1165–01, installed, do one
of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting
protector in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
2.B.5, of EASB No. 25.02.08; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view
of the flight crew and one in full view of the
hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT
OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS
PROHIBITED.
(iii) For Model SA330J helicopters, do one
of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting
protector in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
2.B.4, of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 25.39, Revision 3, dated July 6,
2011; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view
of the flight crew and one in full view of the
hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT
OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS
PROHIBITED.
(3) For any helicopter that has been
modified per paragraph (e)(1)(iii)(A),
(e)(2)(i)(A), (e)(2)(ii)(A), or (e)(2)(iii)(A) of this
AD, do the following before the next hoist
operation:
(i) Re-establish the hoist pyrotechnic shear
function if disabled per paragraph
(e)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD.
(ii) Remove any placards if installed as
required by paragraph (e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii)(B),
(e)(1)(ii)(C), (e)(1)(iii)(B), (e)(2)(i)(B),
(e)(2)(ii)(B), or (e)(2)(iii)(B) 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: Robert Grant,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 47 / Tuesday, March 11, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2009–0271R1, dated July 8, 2011. You
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2013–0826.
14 CFR Part 39
RIN 2120–AA64
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2500, Cabin Equipment/Furnishings.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
AGENCY:
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(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. 25.02.08, Revision 3, dated July
6, 2011.
(ii) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 25.39, Revision 3, dated July 6,
2011.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Eurocopter
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No.
25.02.08 and Eurocopter EASB No. 25.39,
both Revision 3, and both dated July 6, 2011,
are co-published as one document along with
Eurocopter EASB No. 25.01.29, Revision 3,
dated July 6, 2011, which is not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
(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.airbus
helicopters.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 February
26, 2014.
Bruce E. Cain,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–04724 Filed 3–10–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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16:00 Mar 10, 2014
Jkt 232001
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L1
helicopters. This AD requires replacing
the rivets on the left-hand (LH) and
right-hand (RH) Y350 longitudinal
beams (longitudinal beams Y350). This
AD was prompted by a report that nonconforming rivets had been installed on
an AS332 helicopter during a
production modification. The actions of
this AD are intended to prevent failure
of the longitudinal beams Y350 and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective April 15,
2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of April 15, 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.
DATES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the
Docket Operations Office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the foreign
authority’s AD, any incorporated-byreference service information, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4700
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0573; Directorate
Identifier 2012–SW–042–AD; Amendment
39–17781; AD 2014–05–08]
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France)
(Airbus Helicopters)
(h) Subject
Operations Office, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
Sfmt 4700
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On July 3, 2013 at 78 FR 40072, 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 serial-numbered Eurocopter
(now Airbus Helicopters) Model
AS332C1 and AS332L1 helicopters. The
NPRM proposed to require replacing the
non-conforming 3.2 mm rivets, partnumber (P/N) 212 15DC 3200J, on the
longitudinal beams Y350 with airworthy
4.8 mm rivets, P/N 212 15DC 4800J. The
proposed requirements were intended to
prevent failure of the longitudinal
beams Y350 and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2012–0046–E, dated March 21, 2012
(EAD 2012–0046–E), issued by the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Model AS332C1 and AS332L1
helicopters. EASA advises that an
AS332 helicopter was found on the
production line with non-conforming
rivets installed on the RH and LH
longitudinal beams Y350 of the bottom
structure of the fuselage, between
sections X4780 and X5295. According to
EASA, the investigation revealed that a
limited number of helicopters were
documented as receiving a production
modification requiring the replacement
of certain 3.2 mm rivets with 4.8 mm
rivets, but the actual replacement of the
rivets had not been performed. EASA
states that this condition leads to
significant reduction in the safety
margins during sling operations and
may cause failure of the web/flange
assembly connections of the
longitudinal beams Y350, possibly
resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter. For these reasons, EASA
issued EAD 2012–0046–E, which,
pending inspection of the helicopter
beams Y350 and replacement of the
affected rivets, prohibits sling
operations or limits the 3-ton sling to
external loads of 2.28 tons or less.
E:\FR\FM\11MRR1.SGM
11MRR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 11, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13521-13524]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04724]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0826; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-046-AD;
Amendment 39-17788; AD 2014-05-15]
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 Airbus
Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J
helicopters. This AD prohibits use of the hydraulic hoist in
helicopters equipped with certain parts and configurations until a
hoist beam lower fitting protector is installed. This AD was prompted
by a report that the hoist cable jammed during a rescue at sea. The
actions of this AD are intended to prevent the hoist cable from jamming
and subsequent cable failure, which could result in injury and damage
to the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective April 15, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 15, 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 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: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone 817-222-5110; email
robert.grant@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On September 26, 2013, at 78 FR 59306, 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
[[Page 13522]]
(Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332 L1, and AS332 L2 helicopters
with a hoist beam, Part Number (P/N) 330A87-2345-00, -01, -02, -03, -
04, -05, or -06, installed with a single or double hoist plate; and
Eurocopter Model SA330J helicopters with a hoist beam, P/N 330A87-2345-
00, -01, -02, -03, -04, -05, or -06, installed with a single hoist
plate. The NPRM proposed to prohibit use of the hydraulic hoist in
helicopters equipped with certain parts and configurations until a
hoist beam lower fitting protector was installed. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent the hoist cable from jamming and
subsequent cable failure, which could result in injury and damage to
the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD 2009-0271R1, dated July 8, 2011, issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model
AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2 and SA330J helicopters with certain
hoist beams installed. EASA advises that during a hoisting operation, a
hydraulic hoist cable jammed against the base of the supporting strut
of a dual hoist tray installation. According to EASA, the load was
transferred to the back-up electrical hoist and safely brought on
board. However, the jamming of the hydraulic hoist cable against the
strut damaged the back-up electrical hoist power supply harness, which
is routed through the area, resulting in a short circuit that fused and
ruptured the cable. EASA reports that this condition, if not corrected,
could lead to further incidents of hoist cable jamming and subsequent
cable failure, which could result in personal injuries and damage to
the helicopter.
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 documentation. We also corrected
an error in the date of issue for Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
25.39 in the Required Actions paragraph and Differences section of this
AD to reflect the correct date of July 6, 2011. We have corrected a
math error in the total cost per helicopter for installation of the
hoist beam lower fitting protector and short footstep with lower side
protector for certain AS332 helicopters in the Cost section. Finally,
we have corrected our Joint Aircraft Service Component Code in the
Subject paragraph of this AD to 2500, Cabin Equipment/Furnishings.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 59306,
September 26, 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 minor changes
previously described. These changes are consistent with the intent of
the proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 59306, September 26, 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
Our AD differs from the EASA AD as follows:
The EASA AD requires certain actions before the next flight, while
we require the same actions before the next hoisting operation.
The EASA AD sets calendar dates for compliance that have since
passed, while we set compliance based on hours time-in-service.
The EASA AD misidentifies the Eurocopter SA330J service bulletin
number and paragraph number in its required actions for Model SA330J
helicopters. This AD requires compliance with paragraph 2.B.4 of
Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.39, Revision 3,
dated July 6, 2011.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter issued one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB),
Revision 3, dated July 6, 2011, with three different numbers. EASB No.
25.02.08 is for civil and military Model AS332-series helicopters; EASB
No. 25.01.29 is for military Model AS532-series helicopters; and EASB
No. 25.39 is for civil and military Model SA330-series helicopters. The
EASB originally provided instructions to prevent the main hydraulic
hoist cable from becoming jammed and damaged in the fixed fitting of
the hoist beam lower fitting. The revisions add further instructions
and expand the effectivity to more helicopters and helicopter equipment
configurations. The revisions also extend some compliance deadlines,
and revise some instructions to account for improved installation
procedures. After further investigation, the most recent revisions
remove some helicopter models from the list of applicable helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 20 helicopters of U.S. Registry
and that work hours average $85 an hour. Based on these estimates, we
expect the following costs:
The cost for installing and removing placards is minimal.
Disabling the hoist pyrotechnic shear function requires 1
work-hour. No parts are needed for a cost of $85 per helicopter, $1,700
for the U.S. fleet.
Installation of the hoist beam lower fitting protector for
Model AS332 helicopters without a right hand (RH) sliding door and
without a short footstep requires 6 work-hours for a labor cost of $510
per helicopter. Parts cost $4,760 for a total cost of $5,270 per
helicopter.
Installation of the hoist beam lower fitting protector and
short footstep with lower side protector for Model AS332 helicopters
without a RH sliding door and with a short footstep requires 12 work-
hours for a labor cost of $1020 per helicopter. Parts cost $26,891 for
a total cost of $27,911 per helicopter.
Installation of the hoist beam protector for Model AS332
helicopters with a RH sliding door requires 3 work-hours for a labor
cost of $255 per helicopter. Parts cost $20,858 for a total cost of
$21,113 per helicopter.
Installation of the hoist beam protector for Model SA330J
helicopters requires 3 work-hours for a labor cost of $255 per
helicopter. Parts cost $4,774 for a total cost of $5,029 per
helicopter.
Enabling the hoist pyrotechnic shear function requires 1
work-hour. No parts are needed for a cost of $85 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
[[Page 13523]]
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):
2014-05-15 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-17788; Docket No. FAA-2013-0826;
Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-046-AD.
(a) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to the following helicopters, certificated
in any category:
(i) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332 L1, and AS332 L2 helicopters
with a hoist beam, Part Number (P/N) 330A87-2345-00, -01, -02, -03,
-04, -05, or -06, installed with a single or double hoist plate; and
(ii) Model SA330J helicopters with a hoist beam, P/N 330A87-
2345-00, -01, -02, -03, -04, -05, or -06, installed with a single
hoist plate.
(b) Unsafe Condition
The unsafe condition is defined as hoist cable jamming and
subsequent cable failure, which could result in injuries or damage
to the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective April 15, 2014.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Before the next hoist operation:
(i) For all helicopters, install a placard in full view of the
hoist operator that states: IN CASE OF CABLE JAM AGAINST STRUT DO
NOT ATTEMPT TO RAISE OR LOWER LOAD.
(ii) For helicopters with a hoist control electrical harness
routed at the base of the hoist supporting strut:
(A) Disable the hoist pyrotechnic shear function.
(B) Install a placard on the instrument panel in full view of
the flight crew that states: HOIST PYROTECHNIC SHEAR FUNCTION
DISABLED.
(C) Install a placard in full view of the hoist operator that
states: HOIST PYROTECHNIC SHEAR FUNCTION DISABLED. IN CASE OF
NECESSITY, CUT THE HOIST CABLE WITH THE SHEARS LOCATED IN THE CABIN.
(iii) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD
with a tray-mounted double hoist installed with the back-up
electrical hoist power supply harness routed at the base of the
hoist supporting strut, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protector in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.b of
Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.02.08, Revision
3, dated July 6, 2011 (EASB No. 25.02.08), and if a short footstep,
P/N 332P21-9000-00 or 332P21-2052-01, is installed, also install the
short footstep with lower side protector in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.c.2, of EASB No.
25.02.08; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew
and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT
OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.
(2) Within 60 hours time-in-service:
(i) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD
without a tray-mounted double hoist installed with the back-up
electrical hoist power supply harness routed at the base of the
hoist supporting strut and without a right hand sliding door, P/N
332A22-1165-01, installed, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protecter in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.b, of EASB No.
25.02.08 and if a short footstep, P/N 332P21-9000-00 or 332P21-2052-
01, is installed, also install the short footstep with lower side
protector in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 2.B.2.c.2, of EASB No. 25.02.08; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew
and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT
OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.
(ii) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD
with a right hand sliding door, P/N 332A22-1165-01, installed, do
one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protector in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.5, of EASB No.
25.02.08; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew
and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT
OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.
(iii) For Model SA330J helicopters, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protector in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.4, of Eurocopter
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.39, Revision 3, dated July
6, 2011; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew
and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state: IN-FLIGHT
OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.
(3) For any helicopter that has been modified per paragraph
(e)(1)(iii)(A), (e)(2)(i)(A), (e)(2)(ii)(A), or (e)(2)(iii)(A) of
this AD, do the following before the next hoist operation:
(i) Re-establish the hoist pyrotechnic shear function if
disabled per paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD.
(ii) Remove any placards if installed as required by paragraph
(e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii)(B), (e)(1)(ii)(C), (e)(1)(iii)(B),
(e)(2)(i)(B), (e)(2)(ii)(B), or (e)(2)(iii)(B) 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: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 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
[[Page 13524]]
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. 2009-0271R1, dated July 8, 2011. You may view
the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket
No. FAA-2013-0826.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2500, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings.
(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. 25.02.08,
Revision 3, dated July 6, 2011.
(ii) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.39,
Revision 3, dated July 6, 2011.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin (EASB) No. 25.02.08 and Eurocopter EASB No. 25.39, both
Revision 3, and both dated July 6, 2011, are co-published as one
document along with Eurocopter EASB No. 25.01.29, Revision 3, dated
July 6, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(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 February 26, 2014.
Bruce E. Cain,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-04724 Filed 3-10-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
