Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France), 27605-27607 [2015-11522]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 93 / Thursday, May 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules (2) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766– 5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. For GE Aviation service information identified in this proposed AD, contact GE Aviation Fleet Support, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; telephone 513–552–3272; Email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com; Internet https:// www.geaviation.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 28, 2015. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–10469 Filed 5–13–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–1480; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–071–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2002–13– 11 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2002–13–11 currently requires installing front and side covers on the cabin floor to protect the yaw control at both the pilot and co-pilot stations. Since we issued AD 2002–13–11, we have determined that the required actions should apply only to the cabin’s right-hand pilot station. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2002–13–11 but for only the pilot station. These proposed actions are intended to prevent an object from sliding between the canopy and the cabin floor, loss of yaw control, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 13, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 May 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 • 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 proposed AD, the Direction Generale De L’Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD, the economic evaluation, 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 proposed 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 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 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 might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 27605 filed electronically, commenters should submit 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 proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion On June 25, 2002, we issued AD 2002–13–11, Amendment 39–12799 (67 FR 45295, July 9, 2002) for certain serial-numbered Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2002–13–11 requires installing front and side covers to protect the yaw control at the pilot and co-pilot flight control stations. AD 2002–13–11 was prompted by a report of a mobile phone falling between the windshield canopy and the cabin floor, jamming the yaw control pedal. Those actions were intended to prevent an object from sliding between the canopy and the cabin floor, loss of yaw control, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. AD 2002–13–11 was prompted by AD No. 2001–386–007(A), dated September 5, 2001, issued by the DGAC, the airworthiness authority for France, to correct an unsafe condition for the Model EC120B helicopter. The DGAC advises of a yaw-control jamming caused by an object that slid between the canopy and the cabin floor. The DGAC AD required that front and lateral protections be installed no later than December 31, 2001, in compliance with paragraph 2.B of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 67A005, Revision 0, dated July 30, 2001. DGAC revised its AD and issued AD 2001–386–007(A) R1, dated February 6, 2002 (AD 2001–386– 007(A)R1), which extended the compliance deadline to February 28, 2002. Actions Since AD 2002–13–11 Was Issued Since we issued AD 2002–13–11 (67 FR 45295, July 9, 2002), we have determined that the front and side protections are required only at the pilot station. Therefore, we are proposing to remove the final sentence in paragraph (a) of the Compliance section of the AD, which requires that if the helicopter has flight controls at both the pilot and copilot stations, the protections must be E:\FR\FM\14MYP1.SGM 14MYP1 27606 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 93 / Thursday, May 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules installed at both stations. Also, since we issued AD 2002–13–11, the format in which we issue ADs has been revised, resulting in changes to the content and ordering of the AD paragraphs. Eurocopter France has also changed its name to Airbus Helicopters. This proposed AD reflects that change and updates the contact information to obtain service documentation. 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, the DGAC, which was France’s technical representative when AD 2001–386– 007(A)R1 was issued, notified us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 67A005, Revision 0, dated July 30, 2001 (ASB), which specifies installing a front and side protection on the cabin floor to protect the yaw control. The DGAC classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD No. 2001– 386–007(A), dated September 5, 2001, and AD 2001–386–007(A)R1, dated February 6, 2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within 90 days, installing front and side covers (protections) on the cabin floor at the pilot station to protect the yaw control. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 37 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs would average $85 a work-hour. Required parts would cost about $584 and it would take about 2 work-hours to accomplish the proposed actions. Based on these figures, we estimate that the total cost of this proposed AD would be $754 per helicopter and $27,898 for the U.S. fleet. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 May 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the 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 proposed 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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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) 2002–13–11, Amendment 39–12799 (67 FR 45295, July 9, 2002), and adding the following new AD: ■ Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France): Docket No. FAA–2015–1480; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–071–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model EC120B helicopters, serial numbers 1001 through 1278, inclusive, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as an object sliding between the canopy and the cabin floor. This condition could result in loss of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2002–13–11, Amendment 39–12799 (67 FR 45295, July 9, 2002). (d) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by July 13, 2015. (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 Within 90 days, install front and side covers (protections) to protect the yaw control in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 67A005, Revision 0, dated July 30, 2001 (ASB), except the correct reference to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual in subparagraph 2.B.2 of the ASB is 20–10–00, 3–8. (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. E:\FR\FM\14MYP1.SGM 14MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 93 / Thursday, May 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules (h) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in the Direction General De L’Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD No. 67A005, Revision 1, dated February 6, 2002. You may view the DGAC AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2015–1480. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2500, Cabin Equipment/Furnishings. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 1, 2015. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–11522 Filed 5–13–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–1417; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–159–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Examining the AD Docket Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004–20– 14, for all Airbus Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203 airplanes; and all Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4– 600R series airplanes. AD 2004–20–14 requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the splice fitting at fuselage frame (FR) 47 between stringers 24 and 26 (left- and right-hand sides), and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2004–20–14, we have determined that the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection interval must be reduced to allow timely detection of cracks in the splice fitting at fuselage FR 47. This proposed AD would reduce the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection intervals, and add Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the splice fitting at fuselage FR 47, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 29, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 May 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227– 1221. 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 proposed AD, the regulatory 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2125; fax 425–227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2015–1417; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–159–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 27607 closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion On September 30, 2004, we issued AD 2004–20–14, Amendment 39–13819 (69 FR 60809, October 13, 2004), which superseded AD 2001–03–14, Amendment 39–12118 (66 FR 10957, February 21, 2001). AD 2004–20–14 requires actions intended to address an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203 airplanes; and all Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series airplanes. Since we issued AD 2004–20–14, Amendment 39–13819 (69 FR 60809, October 13, 2004), we have determined that the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection interval must be reduced to allow timely detection of cracks in the splice fitting at fuselage FR 47, and that Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes must be added to the applicability. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013–0184R1, dated August 22, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: In order to prevent crack development in the fastener holes at Frame (FR) 47 splicing joint on A300 aeroplanes, Airbus developed modification (Mod) 5890 for aeroplanes in production and issued corresponding Service Bulletin (SB) A300–53–0199 for aeroplanes in service. Subsequently, cracks were found on FR47 splice fitting between stringers (STRG) 24 and 26 on A300 aeroplanes previously modified by SB A300–53–0199. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, ´ ´ DGAC [Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile] France issued AD 2002–184 https:// ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/2002184tb_ superseded.pdf/AD_F-2002-184_2 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2004–20–14, Amendment 39–13819 (69 FR 60809, October 13, 2004)], superseding [DGAC France] AD 85–152–069 and [DGAC France] AD 1999– 515–298 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2001–03–14, Amendment 39–12118 (66 FR 10957, February 21, 2001)], to require repetitive High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) rotating probe inspections of the splice fitting between STRG 24 and 26 and, E:\FR\FM\14MYP1.SGM 14MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 93 (Thursday, May 14, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27605-27607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-11522]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1480; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-071-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously 
Eurocopter France)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2002-13-
11 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B 
helicopters. AD 2002-13-11 currently requires installing front and side 
covers on the cabin floor to protect the yaw control at both the pilot 
and co-pilot stations. Since we issued AD 2002-13-11, we have 
determined that the required actions should apply only to the cabin's 
right-hand pilot station. This proposed AD would retain the 
requirements of AD 2002-13-11 but for only the pilot station. These 
proposed actions are intended to prevent an object from sliding between 
the canopy and the cabin floor, loss of yaw control, and subsequent 
loss of helicopter control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 13, 2015.

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 proposed AD, the Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD, the economic evaluation, 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 proposed 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 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

    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 might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 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 proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    On June 25, 2002, we issued AD 2002-13-11, Amendment 39-12799 (67 
FR 45295, July 9, 2002) for certain serial-numbered Eurocopter France 
(now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2002-13-11 
requires installing front and side covers to protect the yaw control at 
the pilot and co-pilot flight control stations. AD 2002-13-11 was 
prompted by a report of a mobile phone falling between the windshield 
canopy and the cabin floor, jamming the yaw control pedal. Those 
actions were intended to prevent an object from sliding between the 
canopy and the cabin floor, loss of yaw control, and subsequent loss of 
helicopter control.
    AD 2002-13-11 was prompted by AD No. 2001-386-007(A), dated 
September 5, 2001, issued by the DGAC, the airworthiness authority for 
France, to correct an unsafe condition for the Model EC120B helicopter. 
The DGAC advises of a yaw-control jamming caused by an object that slid 
between the canopy and the cabin floor.
    The DGAC AD required that front and lateral protections be 
installed no later than December 31, 2001, in compliance with paragraph 
2.B of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 67A005, Revision 0, dated 
July 30, 2001. DGAC revised its AD and issued AD 2001-386-007(A) R1, 
dated February 6, 2002 (AD 2001-386-007(A)R1), which extended the 
compliance deadline to February 28, 2002.

Actions Since AD 2002-13-11 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2002-13-11 (67 FR 45295, July 9, 2002), we have 
determined that the front and side protections are required only at the 
pilot station. Therefore, we are proposing to remove the final sentence 
in paragraph (a) of the Compliance section of the AD, which requires 
that if the helicopter has flight controls at both the pilot and co-
pilot stations, the protections must be

[[Page 27606]]

installed at both stations. Also, since we issued AD 2002-13-11, the 
format in which we issue ADs has been revised, resulting in changes to 
the content and ordering of the AD paragraphs. Eurocopter France has 
also changed its name to Airbus Helicopters. This proposed AD reflects 
that change and updates the contact information to obtain service 
documentation.

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, the DGAC, which was France's 
technical representative when AD 2001-386-007(A)R1 was issued, notified 
us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are proposing this 
AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined 
that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 67A005, Revision 
0, dated July 30, 2001 (ASB), which specifies installing a front and 
side protection on the cabin floor to protect the yaw control. The DGAC 
classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD No. 2001-386-007(A), 
dated September 5, 2001, and AD 2001-386-007(A)R1, dated February 6, 
2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in 
France.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this 
NPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 90 days, installing front 
and side covers (protections) on the cabin floor at the pilot station 
to protect the yaw control.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 37 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs would average $85 a work-hour. 
Required parts would cost about $584 and it would take about 2 work-
hours to accomplish the proposed actions. Based on these figures, we 
estimate that the total cost of this proposed AD would be $754 per 
helicopter and $27,898 for the U.S. fleet.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 proposed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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) 
2002-13-11, Amendment 39-12799 (67 FR 45295, July 9, 2002), and adding 
the following new AD:

Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France): Docket No. FAA-
2015-1480; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-071-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC120B helicopters, serial numbers 1001 
through 1278, inclusive, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an object sliding 
between the canopy and the cabin floor. This condition could result 
in loss of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2002-13-11, Amendment 39-12799 (67 FR 
45295, July 9, 2002).

(d) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 13, 2015.

(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

    Within 90 days, install front and side covers (protections) to 
protect the yaw control in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 2.B., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 67A005, Revision 0, dated July 30, 2001 (ASB), except the 
correct reference to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual in subparagraph 
2.B.2 of the ASB is 20-10-00, 3-8.

(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.

[[Page 27607]]

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in the Direction General De 
L'Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD No. 67A005, Revision 1, dated February 
6, 2002. You may view the DGAC AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-1480.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2500, Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 1, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-11522 Filed 5-13-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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