Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held By Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters), 14169-14174 [2014-04282]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 49 / Thursday, March 13, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 14169 DIFFERENCES IN DFA STRESS TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDING COMPANIES VERSUS BANKS AND THRIFTS—Continued Bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies Public disclosure of company-run stress tests. Disclosure must include information on stress tests Disclosure requirement met when parent company disconducted by subsidiaries subject to DFA stress tests. closure includes the required information on the bank or thrift’s stress test results, unless the company’s primary regulator determines that the disclosure at the holding company level does not adequately capture the potential impact of the scenarios on the capital of the company. Dated: February 19, 2014. Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency. By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, March 5, 2014. Robert deV. Frierson, Secretary of the Board. Dated at Washington, DC, this 5th day of March, 2014. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Robert E. Feldman, Executive Secretary. [FR Doc. 2014–05518 Filed 3–12–14; 8:45 am] ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES BILLING CODE 4810–33–P; 6714–01–P; 6210–01–P DATES: This AD is effective April 17, 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 view this referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. Federal Aviation Administration FAA–2011–1158 or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 14 CFR Part 39 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD [Docket No. FAA–2011–1158; Directorate docket contains this AD, the European Identifier 2010–SW–018–AD; Amendment Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any 39–17765; AD 2011–22–05 R1] incorporated-by-reference information, RIN 2120–AA64 the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The Airworthiness Directives; Airbus address for the Docket Office (phone: Helicopters (Type Certificate 800–647–5527) is Document Previously Held By Eurocopter France) Management Facility, U.S. Department (Airbus Helicopters) of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, AGENCY: Federal Aviation Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Administration (FAA), DOT. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. ACTION: Final rule. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUMMARY: We are revising Airworthiness Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Directive (AD) 2011–22–05 for Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, D1, 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP robert.grant@faa.gov. helicopters with certain tail rotor (T/R) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: pitch control rods (control rods) Discussion installed. AD 2011–22–05 required checking the control rod for play before We issued a notice of proposed the first flight of each day. This new AD rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR requires checking the control rod for part 39 to revise AD 2011–22–05, play within 30 hours time-in-service Amendment 39–16847 (76 FR 70046, (TIS) and, if no bearing play is detected, November 10, 2011). AD 2011–22–05 thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 applied to Eurocopter Model AS350B, hours TIS. The actions in this AD are B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, D1; and Model intended to prevent failure of a T/R AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP control rod, loss of T/R control, and helicopters with T/R control rod, part subsequent loss of control of the number (P/N) 350A33–2100–00, –01, helicopter. –02, –03, –04; P/N 350A33–2121–00, VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:05 Mar 12, 2014 Banks and thrifts Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 –01, –02; P/N 350A33–2143–00; or P/N 350A33–2145–00 or –01, installed. AD 2011–22–05 required checking the control rod for play before the first flight of each day. The NPRM, published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2013 (78 FR 59298), proposed to extend the required time to check control rod play to within 30 hours TIS and, if no bearing play is detected, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS. The NPRM was based on our determination that we can safely extend the compliance time for the initial bearing play check and the interval for recurring checks. We also clarified the requirements of that check and removed a previous requirement that if the Teflon cloth is coming out of its normal position within the bearing, or if there is discoloration or scoring on the bearing, that the control rod be replaced with an airworthy rod before further flight. These actions are intended to prevent failure of a control rod, loss of T/R control, and subsequent loss of control of 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. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 59298, 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 E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 14170 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 49 / Thursday, March 13, 2014 / Rules and Regulations proposed except for the minor change previously described. This change is consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 59298, September 26, 2013) and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. Related Service Information Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.60 for the Model AS350 series helicopters, and ASB No. 05.00.56 for the Model AS355 series helicopters, both Revision 0, and both dated December 9, 2009. These ASBs specify performing an initial and recurring check for play in the pitchchange links. If axial play in the balljoint is detectable, the ASBs specify removing the pitch-change link and measuring the bearing wear using a dial indicator. EASA classified these ASBs as mandatory and issued EASA AD No. 2010–0006, dated January 7, 2010, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 936 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate, per helicopter, it will take minimal work-hours to do the check, 1 work-hour to measure the bearing play, and 1 work-hour to replace 1 control rod. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts cost about $1,724 to replace a control rod per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators is minimal for the check. Measuring the bearing play, if needed, costs $85 per helicopter, and replacing 1 control rod costs $1,809 per helicopter. Authority for This Rulemaking ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:05 Mar 12, 2014 Jkt 232001 section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed 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, 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. 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011–22–05, Amendment 39–16847 (76 ■ PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 FR 70046, November 10, 2011), and adding the following new AD: 2011–22–05 R1 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters): Amendment 39–17765; Docket No. FAA–2011–1158; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–018–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, D1; and Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP helicopters; with tail rotor (T/R) pitch control rod (control rod), part number (P/N) 350A33–2100–00, –01, –02, –03, –04; P/N 350A33–2121–00, –01, –02; P/N 350A33–2143–00; or P/N 350A33– 2145–00 or –01, installed; certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessive play in the control rod. This condition could result in failure of a T/R control rod, loss of T/R control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD revises AD 2011–22–05, Amendment 39–16847 (76 FR 70046, November 10, 2011). (d) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 17, 2014. (e) 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. (f) Required Actions (1) Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and, if no bearing play is detected, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS, place the T/R pedals in the neutral position. If the helicopter is fitted with a T/R load compensator, discharge the accumulator as described in the rotorcraft flight manual. Check the control rod bearing (bearing) for play on the helicopter, by observation and feel, by slightly moving the T/R blade in the flapping axis while monitoring the bearing for movement. See the following Figure 1 to Paragraph (f) of this AD. The actions required by this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the helicopter maintenance records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)–(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 49 / Thursday, March 13, 2014 / Rules and Regulations VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:05 Mar 12, 2014 Jkt 232001 helicopter, and using a dial indicator, measure the bearing wear according to the PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 following and as shown in Figures 2 and 3 to Paragraph (f) of this AD: E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 ER13MR14.000</GPH> ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES (2) If a pilot or mechanic detects play in the bearing, before the next flight, a mechanic must remove the control rod from the 14171 14172 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 49 / Thursday, March 13, 2014 / Rules and Regulations axial play c VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:05 Mar 12, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 ER13MR14.001</GPH> ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES Figure 2 to Paragraph (t) Measurement of the Axial Play (A) of the Bearing Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 49 / Thursday, March 13, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (i) Remove the control rod from the helicopter. (ii) Mount the control rod in a vise as shown in Figure 2 to Paragraph (f) of this AD. (iii) Using a dial indicator, take axial play readings by moving the spherical bearing in the direction F (up and down) as shown in Figure 2 to Paragraph (f) of this AD. (iv) Install a bolt through the bearing and secure it with a washer and nut to provide a clamping surface when the bearing is clamped in a vise. (v) Mount the control rod and bearing in a vise as shown in Figure 3 to Paragraph (f) of this AD. (vi) Using a dial indicator, take radial play measurements by moving the control rod in the direction F as shown in Figure 3 to Paragraph (f) of this AD. (vii) Record the hours of operation on each control rod. (viii) If the radial play exceeds 0.008 inch or axial play exceeds 0.016 inch, replace the control rod with an airworthy control rod before further flight. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:05 Mar 12, 2014 Jkt 232001 (ix) If the radial and axial play are within limits, reinstall the control rod. (x) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS, remove the control rod and measure the bearing play with a dial indicator in accordance with paragraph (f)(2) of this AD. (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. PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (h) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.60 and ASB No. 05.00.56, both Revision 0, and both dated December 9, 2009, which are not incorporated by reference, contain 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 a copy of the 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 the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2010–0006, dated January 7, 2010. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2011–1158. E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1 ER13MR14.002</GPH> ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES BILLING CODE 4910–13–C 14173 14174 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 49 / Thursday, March 13, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail rotor control system. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 31, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–04282 Filed 3–12–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION RIN 3038–AD88 Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Correcting amendments. AGENCY: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is correcting final rules published in the Federal Register of November 14, 2013 (78 FR 68506). Those rules, 17 CFR Parts 1, 3, 22, 30, and 140, took effect on January 13, 2014. This correction amends Appendix E to Part 30 correcting a typographical error contained in that appendix. DATES: Effective on March 13, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Smith, Deputy Director, 202– 418–5495, tsmith@cftc.gov, or Mark Bretscher, Attorney-Advisor, 312–596– 0529, mbretscher@cftc.gov, Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, DC 20581. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Federal Register of November 14, 2013 (78 FR 68506), the CFTC published final rules adopting new regulations and amending existing regulations to require enhanced customer protections, risk management programs, internal monitoring and controls, capital and liquidity standards, customer disclosures, and auditing and examination programs for futures commission merchants. Those rules include Appendix E to Part 30— Acknowledgement Letter for CFTC Regulation 30.7 Customer Secured Account (‘‘acknowledgment letter’’). The third sentence of the second full paragraph of the body of the Appendix E acknowledgement letter contains a SUMMARY: ehiers on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES 1. The authority citation for part 30 continues to read as follows: ■ Enhancing Protections Afforded Customers and Customer Funds Held by Futures Commission Merchants and Derivatives Clearing Organizations; Correction 14:05 Mar 12, 2014 List of Subjects in 17 CFR Part 30 Commodity futures, Consumer protection, Currency, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Accordingly, 17 CFR part 30 is corrected by making the following correcting amendment: PART 30—FOREIGN FUTURES AND FOREIGN OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS 17 CFR Part 30 VerDate Mar<15>2010 typographical error. Specifically, the phrase ‘‘lines or credit’’ should read ‘‘lines of credit’’. The Commission is making a correcting amendment to Appendix E to Part 30 to correct that error. Jkt 232001 Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1a, 2, 6, 6c, and 12a, unless otherwise noted. 2. Revise Appendix E to part 30 to read as follows: ■ Appendix E to Part 30— Acknowledgment Letter for CFTC Regulation 30.7 Customer Secured Account [Date] [Name and Address of Depository] We refer to the Secured Amount Account(s) which [Name of Futures Commission Merchant] (‘‘we’’ or ‘‘our’’) have opened or will open with [Name of Depository] (‘‘you’’ or ‘‘your’’) entitled: [Name of Futures Commission Merchant] [if applicable, add ‘‘FCM Customer Omnibus Account’’] CFTC Regulation 30.7 Customer Secured Account under Section 4(b) of the Commodity Exchange Act [and, if applicable, ‘‘, Abbreviated as [short title reflected in the depository’s electronic system]’’] Account Number(s): [ ] (collectively, the ‘‘Account(s)’’). You acknowledge that we have opened or will open the above-referenced Account(s) for the purpose of depositing, as applicable, money, securities and other property (collectively ‘‘Funds’’) of customers who trade foreign futures and/or foreign options (as such terms are defined in U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (‘‘CFTC’’) Regulation 30.1, as amended); that the Funds held by you, hereafter deposited in the Account(s) or accruing to the credit of the Account(s), will be kept separate and apart and separately accounted for on your books from our own funds and from any other funds or accounts held by us, in accordance with the provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the ‘‘Act’’), and Part 30 of the CFTC’s regulations, as amended; that the Funds may not be commingled with our own funds in any proprietary account we maintain with you; and that the Funds must otherwise be treated in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(b) of the Act and CFTC Regulation 30.7. Furthermore, you acknowledge and agree that such Funds may not be used by you or by us to secure or guarantee any obligations PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 that we might owe to you, and they may not be used by us to secure or obtain credit from you. You further acknowledge and agree that the Funds in the Account(s) shall not be subject to any right of offset or lien for or on account of any indebtedness, obligations or liabilities we may now or in the future have owing to you. This prohibition does not affect your right to recover funds advanced in the form of cash transfers, lines of credit, repurchase agreements or other similar liquidity arrangements you make in lieu of liquidating non-cash assets held in the Account(s) or in lieu of converting cash held in the Account(s) to cash in a different currency. In addition, you agree that the Account(s) may be examined at any reasonable time by the director of the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight of the CFTC or the director of the Division of Clearing and Risk of the CFTC, or any successor divisions, or such directors’ designees, or an appropriate officer, agent or employee of our designated self-regulatory organization (‘‘DSRO’’), [Name of DSRO], and this letter constitutes the authorization and direction of the undersigned on our behalf to permit any such examination to take place without further notice or consent from us. You agree to reply promptly and directly to any request for confirmation of account balances or provision of any other information regarding or related to the Account(s) from the director of the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight of the CFTC or the director of the Division of Clearing and Risk of the CFTC, or any successor divisions, or such directors’ designees, or an appropriate officer, agent, or employee of [Name of DSRO], acting in its capacity as our DSRO, and this letter constitutes the authorization and direction of the undersigned on our behalf to release the requested information without further notice to or consent from us. You further acknowledge and agree that, pursuant to authorization granted by us to you previously or herein, you have provided, or will promptly provide following the opening of the Account(s), the director of the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight of the CFTC, or any successor division, or such director’s designees, with technological connectivity, which may include provision of hardware, software, and related technology and protocol support, to facilitate direct, read-only electronic access to transaction and account balance information for the Account(s). This letter constitutes the authorization and direction of the undersigned on our behalf for you to establish this connectivity and access if not previously established, without further notice to or consent from us. The parties agree that all actions on your part to respond to the above information and access requests will be made in accordance with, and subject to, such usual and customary authorization verification and authentication policies and procedures as may be employed by you to verify the authority of, and authenticate the identity of, the individual making any such information or access request, in order to provide for the secure transmission and delivery of the E:\FR\FM\13MRR1.SGM 13MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 49 (Thursday, March 13, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14169-14174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04282]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1158; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-018-AD; 
Amendment 39-17765; AD 2011-22-05 R1]
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 revising Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-22-05 for 
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, D1, 
AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP helicopters with certain tail rotor (T/R) 
pitch control rods (control rods) installed. AD 2011-22-05 required 
checking the control rod for play before the first flight of each day. 
This new AD requires checking the control rod for play within 30 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) and, if no bearing play is detected, thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS. The actions in this AD are 
intended to prevent failure of a T/R control rod, loss of T/R control, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective April 17, 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 view this 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 in Docket No. FAA-2011-1158 or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility 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 information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-
647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to revise AD 2011-22-05, Amendment 39-16847 (76 FR 70046, 
November 10, 2011). AD 2011-22-05 applied to Eurocopter Model AS350B, 
B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, D1; and Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP 
helicopters with T/R control rod, part number (P/N) 350A33-2100-00, -
01, -02, -03, -04; P/N 350A33-2121-00, -01, -02; P/N 350A33-2143-00; or 
P/N 350A33-2145-00 or -01, installed. AD 2011-22-05 required checking 
the control rod for play before the first flight of each day. The NPRM, 
published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2013 (78 FR 59298), 
proposed to extend the required time to check control rod play to 
within 30 hours TIS and, if no bearing play is detected, thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS.
    The NPRM was based on our determination that we can safely extend 
the compliance time for the initial bearing play check and the interval 
for recurring checks. We also clarified the requirements of that check 
and removed a previous requirement that if the Teflon cloth is coming 
out of its normal position within the bearing, or if there is 
discoloration or scoring on the bearing, that the control rod be 
replaced with an airworthy rod before further flight. These actions are 
intended to prevent failure of a control rod, loss of T/R control, and 
subsequent loss of control of 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 59298, 
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

[[Page 14170]]

proposed except for the minor change previously described. This change 
is consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 
59298, September 26, 2013) and will not increase the economic burden on 
any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.60 for the 
Model AS350 series helicopters, and ASB No. 05.00.56 for the Model 
AS355 series helicopters, both Revision 0, and both dated December 9, 
2009. These ASBs specify performing an initial and recurring check for 
play in the pitch-change links. If axial play in the ball-joint is 
detectable, the ASBs specify removing the pitch-change link and 
measuring the bearing wear using a dial indicator. EASA classified 
these ASBs as mandatory and issued EASA AD No. 2010-0006, dated January 
7, 2010, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 936 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate, per helicopter, it will take minimal work-hours to do the 
check, 1 work-hour to measure the bearing play, and 1 work-hour to 
replace 1 control rod. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. 
Required parts cost about $1,724 to replace a control rod per 
helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators is minimal for the check. Measuring the bearing play, if 
needed, costs $85 per helicopter, and replacing 1 control rod costs 
$1,809 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 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed 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, 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2011-22-05, Amendment 39-16847 (76 FR 70046, November 10, 2011), and 
adding the following new AD:

2011-22-05 R1 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held 
by Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters): Amendment 39-17765; 
Docket No. FAA-2011-1158; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-018-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, 
D1; and Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP helicopters; with tail 
rotor (T/R) pitch control rod (control rod), part number (P/N) 
350A33-2100-00, -01, -02, -03, -04; P/N 350A33-2121-00, -01, -02; P/
N 350A33-2143-00; or P/N 350A33-2145-00 or -01, installed; 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessive play in the 
control rod. This condition could result in failure of a T/R control 
rod, loss of T/R control, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD revises AD 2011-22-05, Amendment 39-16847 (76 FR 70046, 
November 10, 2011).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 17, 2014.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and, if no bearing 
play is detected, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 hours 
TIS, place the T/R pedals in the neutral position. If the helicopter 
is fitted with a T/R load compensator, discharge the accumulator as 
described in the rotorcraft flight manual. Check the control rod 
bearing (bearing) for play on the helicopter, by observation and 
feel, by slightly moving the T/R blade in the flapping axis while 
monitoring the bearing for movement. See the following Figure 1 to 
Paragraph (f) of this AD. The actions required by this paragraph may 
be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a 
private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the helicopter 
maintenance records showing compliance with this AD in accordance 
with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record 
must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 
135.439.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

[[Page 14171]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR13MR14.000

    (2) If a pilot or mechanic detects play in the bearing, before 
the next flight, a mechanic must remove the control rod from the 
helicopter, and using a dial indicator, measure the bearing wear 
according to the following and as shown in Figures 2 and 3 to 
Paragraph (f) of this AD:

[[Page 14172]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR13MR14.001


[[Page 14173]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR13MR14.002

BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
    (i) Remove the control rod from the helicopter.
    (ii) Mount the control rod in a vise as shown in Figure 2 to 
Paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (iii) Using a dial indicator, take axial play readings by moving 
the spherical bearing in the direction F (up and down) as shown in 
Figure 2 to Paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (iv) Install a bolt through the bearing and secure it with a 
washer and nut to provide a clamping surface when the bearing is 
clamped in a vise.
    (v) Mount the control rod and bearing in a vise as shown in 
Figure 3 to Paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (vi) Using a dial indicator, take radial play measurements by 
moving the control rod in the direction F as shown in Figure 3 to 
Paragraph (f) of this AD.
    (vii) Record the hours of operation on each control rod.
    (viii) If the radial play exceeds 0.008 inch or axial play 
exceeds 0.016 inch, replace the control rod with an airworthy 
control rod before further flight.
    (ix) If the radial and axial play are within limits, reinstall 
the control rod.
    (x) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS, remove 
the control rod and measure the bearing play with a dial indicator 
in accordance with paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.

(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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.60 and ASB 
No. 05.00.56, both Revision 0, and both dated December 9, 2009, 
which are not incorporated by reference, contain 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 a copy of the 
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 the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2010-0006, dated January 7, 2010. You 
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2011-1158.

[[Page 14174]]

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail rotor 
control system.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 31, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-04282 Filed 3-12-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.