[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 117 (Monday, June 18, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36213-36216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-14799]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0630; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-010-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by
an in-flight cracking and failure of a center windscreen. The proposed
actions are intended to detect a crack in the blending radii of the
center windscreen to prevent failure of the windscreen, injury to the
flight crew, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 17, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://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 http://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
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 proposed AD, contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775,
or at http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may
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review a copy of 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: Jim Grigg, Manager, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX
76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
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
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD 2010-
0258, dated December 6, 2010, (AD 2010-0258) to correct an unsafe
condition for the Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters. EASA states
that it received reports that center windscreen panels failed during
flights. Investigations revealed this failure was caused by a crack
that started in the blending radius between the lower and upper
sections of the windscreen. It states that this condition, if not
detected and corrected, could result in serious injury of the
helicopter occupants. Consequently, EASA issued Emergency AD 2007-0219-
E, dated August 24, 2007, (AD 2007-0219-E), requiring a pre-flight
inspection of the center windscreen, repair or replacement of a cracked
windscreen (with ones of the same design), and an airspeed limitation
when in-flight distortion of the windscreen had been observed. On April
8, 2009, EASA approved a modification (MOD 073590) for the EC130B4
which incorporates a newly designed center windscreen panel, part
number (P/N) 350A25-9045-20, to ``eliminate the possibility of centre
windshield cracks thus providing an alternative terminating action for
the preflight inspections.''
FAA's Determination
This helicopter model is manufactured in France and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the
applicable bilateral agreement, EASA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of EASA,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design.
Related Service Information
We reviewed Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
05A005 Revision 2, dated November 22, 2010. The ASB specifies:
Performing a visual check of the center windscreen before
each flight.
Replacing any center windscreen before resuming flight if
a crack is detected.
If in-flight distortion is found, immediately restricting
airspeed to 70 knots or below, and
[cir] If a crack is found, before next flight, replacing the
windscreen per Eurocopter Service Bulletin 56-003, dated November 16,
2010, (SB 56-003), which describes procedures to perform MOD 073590,
and
[cir] If no crack is found, affixing an airspeed limitation label
and within 50 flying hours or 15 days, whichever is earlier, replacing
the windscreen per MOD 073590.
That incorporation of MOD 073590 is an alternative to the
bulletin, relieving users of the inspection requirements.
EASA has classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD 2010-0258
to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require:
Before each flight, visually checking the center
windscreen, closely examining the blending radii between the upper and
lower parts of the windscreen. An owner/operator (pilot) may perform
the visual check required by this proposed AD and must enter compliance
with that paragraph into the helicopter maintenance records in
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)-(4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may
perform this check because it involves only a visual check for a crack
in the center windscreen and can be performed equally well by a pilot
or a mechanic.
If a crack exists in the center windscreen panel, or if
the windscreen distorts during flight, replacing the center windscreen
panel before further flight.
Within 12 months of the effective date of the proposed AD,
unless accomplished previously, replacing the center windscreen with P/
N 350A259045.20. Replacing the center windscreen panel with P/N
350A259045.20 would constitute terminating action for the inspection
requirements of this proposed AD. The proposed actions would be
required to be accomplished by following specific portions of the ASB
described previously.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD imposes flight restrictions and replacing the
windscreen within 50 flight hours or 15 days, whichever occurs first,
if distortion of the windscreen is detected in-flight. The proposed AD
would mandate replacing the windscreen before further flight if
distortion occurs during flight. In addition, the proposed AD would
mandate MOD 073590 and replacing the affected windscreen with an
airworthy windscreen, P/N 350A25-9045-20, within 12 months.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 87 helicopters of
U.S. registry and that labor costs would average $85 per work-hour.
Therefore, we estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
The check of the center windscreen before each flight
would take about 15 minutes for a labor cost of $21.25 per inspection.
No parts would be needed, so that the total cost for the U.S. 87-
helicopter fleet would be about $1,849 per inspection.
Replacing the center windscreen would require about 20
work-hours for
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a labor cost of $1,700 per helicopter. Parts would cost $6,037 for a
total cost per helicopter of $7,737.
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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
Airworthiness Directive (AD):
Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA-2012-0630; Directorate Identifier
2011-SW-010-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters with
center windscreen panel (center windscreen), part number (P/N)
350A25-9004-00, 350A25-9025-00, or 350A25-9041-20, certificated in
any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the blending
radii of the center windscreen, which could lead to failure of the
center windscreen, injury to the flight crew, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) 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.
(d) Required Actions
(1) Until the center windscreen is replaced with center
windscreen P/N 350A25-9045-20, before each flight, visually check
the center windscreen for a crack in the area of the blending radii
where the front-lower part of the center windscreen joins the front
fuselage as depicted in Figure 1 of this AD. This visual check may
be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft
records showing compliance with the AD in accordance with Title 14
Code of Federal Regulations (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.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP18JN12.006
(2) If there is a crack or if a pilot indicates that the center
windscreen distorted during flight, before further flight, replace
the center windscreen with an airworthy center windscreen, P/N
350A25-9045-20, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 2.B.2.b. through 2.B.2.b.4. of Eurocopter Service
Bulletin No. 56-003, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2010.
(3) Within 12 months, replace the center windscreen with an
airworthy center windscreen, P/N 350A25-9045-20, in accordance with
the instructions contained in paragraph (d)(2) of this AD.
(4) Replacing the center windscreen with center windscreen, P/N
350A25-9045-20, constitutes terminating action for the requirements
of this AD.
(e) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location
where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished, provided
that:
(1) No passengers are onboard;
(2) The time to fly to the location does not exceed 10 hours
time-in-service; and
(3) The airspeed does not exceed 70 knots indicated air speed
(KIAS).
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Jim Grigg, Manager, Safety
Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
(1) For service information identified in this AD, contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie,
TX 75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-
3775, or at http://www.eurocopter.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. 2010-0258, dated December 6, 2010.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5600, Window/
Windshield System.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 8, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-14799 Filed 6-15-12; 8:45 am]
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