Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France) Helicopters, 33054-33056 [2014-12724]
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33054
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 111 / Tuesday, June 10, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
(h) Related Information
MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD No.: 2014–0001, dated January 6,
2014, for related information. The MCAI can
be found in the AD docket on the Internet at:
https://www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0156-0002.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May
27, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–12781 Filed 6–9–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0334; Directorate
Identifier 2014–SW–021–AD; Amendment
39–17858; AD 2014–07–52]
RIN 2120–AA64
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter
France) Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are publishing a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:04 Jun 09, 2014
Jkt 232001
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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.
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:
This AD becomes effective June
25, 2014 to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made
immediately effective by Emergency AD
(EAD) 2014–07–52, issued on March 28,
2014, which contained the requirements
of this AD.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of June 25, 2014
We must receive comments on this
AD by August 11, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
Comments Invited
Examining the AD Docket
(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) Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. SB 138–CS,
Rev. 0, dated November 25, 2013.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam
srl service information identified in this AD,
contact Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam
Airworthiness Office, Via Maiorise–81043
Capua (CE) Italy; telephone: +39 0823
620134; fax: +39 0823 622899; email:
m.oliva@tecnam.com or g.paduano@
tecnam.com; Internet: www.tecnam.com/itIT/documenti/service-bulletins.aspx.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
(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.
Airbus Helicopters (previously
Eurocopter France) Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters,
which was sent previously to all known
U.S. owners and operators of these
helicopters. This AD requires
repetitively inspecting certain
reinforcement angles of the rear
structure to tailboom junction frame
(reinforcement angles) for a crack, and
repairing any cracked reinforcement
angle. This AD is prompted by a report
that cracks were found in the
reinforcement angles on several AS355
helicopters. These actions are intended
to detect a crack in the reinforcement
angle, which if not corrected, could
result in loss of the tailboom and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
Discussion
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 (telephone
On March 28, 2014, we issued EAD
2014–07–52, which requires, for certain
helicopters, within 10 hours time-inservice (TIS) and within every 10 hours
TIS thereafter, inspecting the right-hand
reinforcement angles for a crack and
repairing any cracked reinforcement
angle. As an option to performing the 10
hour TIS repetitive inspections, the EAD
allows an alternate 165 hour TIS
repetitive inspection. The EAD was sent
previously to all known U.S. owners
and operators of these helicopters.
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not provide you with notice and
an opportunity to provide your
comments prior to it becoming effective.
However, we invite you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that resulted from
adopting this AD. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the AD, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. We will file
in the docket all comments that we
receive, as well as a report summarizing
each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerning this
rulemaking during the comment period.
We will consider all the comments we
receive and may conduct additional
rulemaking based on those comments.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 111 / Tuesday, June 10, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
EAD 2014–07–52 was prompted by
EAD No. 2014–0076–E, dated March 25,
2014, issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States
of the European Union, to correct an
unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D,
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with
Modification (MOD) 07 3215 or with at
least one reinforcement angle, P/N
350A08.2493.21 or P/N
350A08.2493.23, installed. EASA
advises that during the inspection of
several AS355 helicopters, cracks were
found in the reinforcement angles.
EASA further states that a subsequent
investigation revealed that cracks were
initiated on the non-visible surface of
the angle, which is the surface in
contact with the frame, and that this
condition, if not corrected, could lead to
further crack propagation and
subsequent loss of the tailboom,
resulting in loss of the helicopter. The
EASA EAD requires repetitive
inspections of the reinforcement angles,
and states that a terminating action is
currently under investigation.
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 EAD. 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.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
Related Service Information
Airbus Helicopters has issued
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
(EASB) No. 05.00.70 for Model AS350B,
BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D helicopters
and EASB No. 05.00.62 for Model
AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP
helicopters, both Revision 0 and dated
March 24, 2014. EASB No. 05.00.70 and
EASB No. 05.00.62 describe procedures
for inspecting the angle reinforcements
for a crack.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, for helicopters with
640 or more hours time-in-service (TIS)
since installation of MOD 07 3215 or
since installation of an applicable
reinforcement angle, within 10 hours
TIS, and thereafter at intervals not
exceeding 10 hours TIS, inspecting
certain reinforcement angles for a crack.
If there is a crack, this AD requires,
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:04 Jun 09, 2014
Jkt 232001
before further flight, repairing the
reinforcement angle. As an option to
performing the 10-hour TIS repetitive
inspections, this AD allows an alternate
165-hour TIS repetitive inspection.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
This AD is not applicable to the
AS350BB as that model is not type
certificated in the U.S. This AD applies
to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350C
and AS350D1 helicopters because these
helicopters have a similar design. The
EASA EAD requires a 165 hour TIS
repetitive inspection, this AD allows the
165 hour TIS inspection as an option.
Finally, the EASA EAD requires
operators to contact Airbus Helicopters
if there is a crack, this AD does not,
however it does require repairing the
crack before further flight.
Interim Action
We consider this AD to be an interim
action. If final action is later identified,
we might consider further rulemaking
then.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
822 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We
estimate that operators may incur the
following costs in order to comply with
this AD. At an average labor rate of $85
per hour, inspecting the reinforcement
angles for a crack will require 1 workhour, for a cost per helicopter of $85
and a total cost of $69,870 for the U.S.
fleet. If required, repairing a cracked
reinforcement angle will require about
10 work-hours, and required parts will
cost about $300, for a total cost per
helicopter of $1,150.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
Providing an opportunity for public
comments before adopting these AD
requirements would delay
implementing the safety actions needed
to correct this known unsafe condition.
Therefore, we found and continue to
find that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment
prior to adopting this rule because the
required corrective actions must be
done within 10 hours time-in-service, a
very short time period based on the
average flight-hour utilization rate of
these helicopters.
Since it was found that immediate
corrective action was required, notice
and opportunity for prior public
comment before issuing this AD were
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest and good cause existed to make
the AD effective immediately by EAD
2014–07–52, issued on March 28, 2014
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
33055
to all known U.S. owners and operators
of these helicopters. These conditions
still exist and the AD is hereby
published in the Federal Register as an
amendment to section 39.13 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
39.13) to make it effective to all persons.
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 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, 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,
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33056
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 111 / Tuesday, June 10, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
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):
■
2014–07–52 Airbus Helicopters (previously
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39–
17858; Docket No. FAA–2014–0334;
Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–021–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D,
AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters, certificated in any category,
with:
(1) Modification (MOD) 07 3215 installed;
or
(2) With a reinforcement angle, part
number (P/N) 350A08.2493.21 or P/N
350A08.2493.23, installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in a rear structure to tailboom junction
frame reinforcement angle (reinforcement
angle), which if not detected could result in
loss of the tailboom and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective June 25, 2014
to all persons except those persons to whom
it was made immediately effective by
Emergency AD 2014–07–52, issued on March
28, 2014, which contained the requirements
of this AD.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
(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) For helicopters with 640 or more hours
time-in-service (TIS) since installation of
MOD 07 3215 or since installation of an
applicable reinforcement angle, within 10
hours TIS, and thereafter, at intervals not
exceeding 10 hours TIS, inspect each
reinforcement angle for a crack as depicted
in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.70 for Model
AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1
helicopters and Airbus Helicopters
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
05.00.62 for AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters, both Revision 0 and dated March
24, 2014.
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight,
repair the reinforcement angle in a manner
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:04 Jun 09, 2014
Jkt 232001
approved by the manager listed in paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD.
(3) As an optional terminating action for
the repetitive inspections required by
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, at intervals not
exceeding 165 hours TIS, remove screw No.
5 from the reinforcement angle, thoroughly
clean the area around the hole and inspect
the reinforcement angle for a crack. If there
is not a crack, reinstall the screw.
Sequentially repeat the steps required by this
paragraph for screws No. 6 through No. 12.
If there is a crack, comply with paragraph
(e)(2) 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, 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.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Emergency AD No. 2014–0076–E, dated
March 25, 2014. You may view the EASA
Emergency AD on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2014–0334.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5302: Rotorcraft Tailboom.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference 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) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin No. 05.00.62, Revision 0,
dated March 24, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin No. 05.00.70, Revision 0,
dated March 24, 2014.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Airbus
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
(EASB) No. 05.00.62, Revision 0, dated
March 24, 2014, and Airbus Helicopters
EASB No. 05.00.70, Revision 0, dated March
24, 2014, are co-published as one document
along with Airbus Helicopters EASB No.
05.00.45, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2014,
and Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05.00.41,
Revision 0, dated March 24, 2014, which are
not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
(972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972)
641–3775; or at https://
www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 21,
2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–12724 Filed 6–9–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
21 CFR Part 106
[Docket No. FDA–2014–D–0033]
Guidance for Industry: Demonstration
of the Quality Factor Requirements for
‘‘Eligible’’ Infant Formulas; Availability
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
ACTION:
Notification of availability.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA or we) is
announcing the availability of a final
guidance which describes our current
thinking on the quality factor
requirements for eligible infant
formulas, the record requirements for
eligible infant formulas, and the
submission of citizen petitions for
eligible infant formulas.
DATES: Submit either electronic or
written comments on FDA guidances at
any time.
ADDRESSES: Submit written requests for
single copies of the guidance to the
Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and
Dietary Supplements, Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS–
850), Food and Drug Administration,
5100 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park,
MD 20740. Send two self-addressed
adhesive labels to assist that office in
processing your request. See the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
electronic access to the guidance.
Submit electronic comments on the
guidance to https://www.regulations.gov.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\10JNR1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 111 (Tuesday, June 10, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33054-33056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12724]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0334; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-021-AD;
Amendment 39-17858; AD 2014-07-52]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously
Eurocopter France) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France) Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, which was
sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these
helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain
reinforcement angles of the rear structure to tailboom junction frame
(reinforcement angles) for a crack, and repairing any cracked
reinforcement angle. This AD is prompted by a report that cracks were
found in the reinforcement angles on several AS355 helicopters. These
actions are intended to detect a crack in the reinforcement angle,
which if not corrected, could result in loss of the tailboom and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 25, 2014 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD
(EAD) 2014-07-52, issued on March 28, 2014, which contained the
requirements of this AD.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of June 25, 2014
We must receive comments on this AD by August 11, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 (telephone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
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.
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:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
On March 28, 2014, we issued EAD 2014-07-52, which requires, for
certain helicopters, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) and within
every 10 hours TIS thereafter, inspecting the right-hand reinforcement
angles for a crack and repairing any cracked reinforcement angle. As an
option to performing the 10 hour TIS repetitive inspections, the EAD
allows an alternate 165 hour TIS repetitive inspection. The EAD was
sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these
helicopters.
[[Page 33055]]
EAD 2014-07-52 was prompted by EAD No. 2014-0076-E, dated March 25,
2014, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters with Modification (MOD) 07 3215 or with at least one
reinforcement angle, P/N 350A08.2493.21 or P/N 350A08.2493.23,
installed. EASA advises that during the inspection of several AS355
helicopters, cracks were found in the reinforcement angles. EASA
further states that a subsequent investigation revealed that cracks
were initiated on the non-visible surface of the angle, which is the
surface in contact with the frame, and that this condition, if not
corrected, could lead to further crack propagation and subsequent loss
of the tailboom, resulting in loss of the helicopter. The EASA EAD
requires repetitive inspections of the reinforcement angles, and states
that a terminating action is currently under investigation.
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 EAD. 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.
Related Service Information
Airbus Helicopters has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
(EASB) No. 05.00.70 for Model AS350B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D
helicopters and EASB No. 05.00.62 for Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and
NP helicopters, both Revision 0 and dated March 24, 2014. EASB No.
05.00.70 and EASB No. 05.00.62 describe procedures for inspecting the
angle reinforcements for a crack.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, for helicopters with 640 or more hours time-in-
service (TIS) since installation of MOD 07 3215 or since installation
of an applicable reinforcement angle, within 10 hours TIS, and
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 10 hours TIS, inspecting certain
reinforcement angles for a crack. If there is a crack, this AD
requires, before further flight, repairing the reinforcement angle. As
an option to performing the 10-hour TIS repetitive inspections, this AD
allows an alternate 165-hour TIS repetitive inspection.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
This AD is not applicable to the AS350BB as that model is not type
certificated in the U.S. This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model
AS350C and AS350D1 helicopters because these helicopters have a similar
design. The EASA EAD requires a 165 hour TIS repetitive inspection,
this AD allows the 165 hour TIS inspection as an option. Finally, the
EASA EAD requires operators to contact Airbus Helicopters if there is a
crack, this AD does not, however it does require repairing the crack
before further flight.
Interim Action
We consider this AD to be an interim action. If final action is
later identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 822 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in
order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour,
inspecting the reinforcement angles for a crack will require 1 work-
hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85 and a total cost of $69,870 for
the U.S. fleet. If required, repairing a cracked reinforcement angle
will require about 10 work-hours, and required parts will cost about
$300, for a total cost per helicopter of $1,150.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Providing an opportunity for public comments before adopting these
AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to
correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we found and continue
to find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and
comment prior to adopting this rule because the required corrective
actions must be done within 10 hours time-in-service, a very short time
period based on the average flight-hour utilization rate of these
helicopters.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment before issuing this AD
were impracticable and contrary to the public interest and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by EAD 2014-07-52, issued
on March 28, 2014 to all known U.S. owners and operators of these
helicopters. These conditions still exist and the AD is hereby
published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to
all persons.
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 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, 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,
[[Page 33056]]
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):
2014-07-52 Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter France):
Amendment 39-17858; Docket No. FAA-2014-0334; Directorate Identifier
2014-SW-021-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, certificated in
any category, with:
(1) Modification (MOD) 07 3215 installed; or
(2) With a reinforcement angle, part number (P/N) 350A08.2493.21
or P/N 350A08.2493.23, installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a rear
structure to tailboom junction frame reinforcement angle
(reinforcement angle), which if not detected could result in loss of
the tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective June 25, 2014 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency
AD 2014-07-52, issued on March 28, 2014, which contained the
requirements of this AD.
(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) For helicopters with 640 or more hours time-in-service (TIS)
since installation of MOD 07 3215 or since installation of an
applicable reinforcement angle, within 10 hours TIS, and thereafter,
at intervals not exceeding 10 hours TIS, inspect each reinforcement
angle for a crack as depicted in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.70 for Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1
helicopters and Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
No. 05.00.62 for AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and
AS355NP helicopters, both Revision 0 and dated March 24, 2014.
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight, repair the
reinforcement angle in a manner approved by the manager listed in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(3) As an optional terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, at intervals
not exceeding 165 hours TIS, remove screw No. 5 from the
reinforcement angle, thoroughly clean the area around the hole and
inspect the reinforcement angle for a crack. If there is not a
crack, reinstall the screw. Sequentially repeat the steps required
by this paragraph for screws No. 6 through No. 12. If there is a
crack, comply with paragraph (e)(2) 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, 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.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2014-0076-E, dated March 25, 2014.
You may view the EASA Emergency AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2014-0334.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302: Rotorcraft
Tailboom.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
05.00.62, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2014.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
05.00.70, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2014.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05.00.62, Revision 0, dated March 24,
2014, and Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05.00.70, Revision 0, dated
March 24, 2014, are co-published as one document along with Airbus
Helicopters EASB No. 05.00.45, Revision 0, dated March 24, 2014, and
Airbus Helicopters EASB No. 05.00.41, Revision 0, dated March 24,
2014, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters 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 May 21, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-12724 Filed 6-9-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
