[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 50 (Thursday, March 14, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16200-16202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05876]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0240; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-060-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
certain Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350 and AS355
helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting
[[Page 16201]]
the tail rotor control stop screws to determine if they are correctly
aligned and adjusting the screws if they are misaligned. This proposed
AD is prompted by the discovery of a loose nut on the tail rotor
control stop and a misaligned tail rotor control stop screw. The
proposed actions are intended detect a loose nut or a misaligned stop
screw, which, if not corrected, could limit yaw authority, and
consequently, result in a loss of helicopter control.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 13, 2013.
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.
Examing 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 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: Matt Fuller, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Continued Operational Safety, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 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 EASA AD
No. 2011-0164, dated August 31, 2011, to correct an unsafe condition
for Eurocopter Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters with either an autopilot or certain modifications
installed. EASA advises that during take-off with a sling load, the
pilot of a Model AS350B3 helicopter reached one of the yaw stops before
its usual position. The inspection that followed revealed that a tail
rotor control stop nut was loose and that the corresponding tail rotor
control stop screw was ``out of adjustment.'' EASA states that this
condition, if not detected and corrected, ``can lead to the loss of
adjustment of the affected stop and consequently limit yaw authority,
possibly resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.''
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
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
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-
05.00.64 for Model AS350B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D civil helicopters
and Model AS350L1 military helicopters, and ASB No. AS355-05.00.59 for
Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP civil helicopters, both Revision 0
and both dated August 30, 2011. The ASBs specify inspecting the locking
of the stop screws and, if warranted, adjusting the stops, marking the
screw/nut assembly with a red line of paint, and periodically
inspecting the paint line's alignment on the screw/nut assembly.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require inspecting the locking of the stop
screws within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS). If the stop screw turns,
the proposed AD would require adjusting the stops. After adjusting the
stops or if the screw does not turn, this proposed AD would require
marking a line of red paint on the screw-nut assembly.
Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, this proposed
AD would require inspecting the locking of the screws and determining
whether the red paint line on the screw and nut is aligned. If not
aligned, this proposed AD would require removing the paint, readjusting
the stops, and marking a new line of paint.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD would require contacting Eurocopter if the red paint
line on the screw/nut assembly is not aligned after an inspection. This
proposed AD would not. The EASA AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS350BB
helicopters. This proposed AD would not because Model AS350BB does not
have an FAA type certificate. However, the proposed AD would apply to
Eurocopter Model AS350C and AS350D1 helicopters because they have an
FAA type certificate and because they have similar tail rotor stop
screw assemblies as the other applicable helicopter models. The EASA AD
does not apply to the Model AS350C and AS350D1 helicopters.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD to be an interim action because
Eurocopter is
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developing a modification that would address the unsafe condition
identified in this AD. After this modification is developed, approved,
and available, we might consider additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 911 helicopters of
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
Inspecting the locking of the stop screws would take about
0.4 hour for a labor cost of about $34 per helicopter and $30,974 for
the U.S. fleet. No parts would be needed.
Adjusting the stop screws, if needed, would require about
0.2 hour for a labor cost of $17. No parts would be needed.
Painting the line would require 0.1 hour for a labor cost
of about $9 per helicopter and $8,199 for the U.S. fleet. No parts
would be needed.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA-2013-0240; Directorate Identifier
2011-SW-060-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following helicopters, certificated in
any category:
(1) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350C, AS350D,
AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters with an
autopilot installed;
(2) Model AS350B3 helicopters with an autopilot or modification
073252 installed; and
(3) Model AS355N and AS355NP helicopters with an autopilot or
modification 071908 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a loose nut or
misaligned tail rotor control stop screw (stop screw). This
condition could result in limited yaw authority and subsequent loss
of helicopter control.
(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) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the locking
of the stop screws to determine whether the stop screws turn.
(i) If any stop screw turns, adjust the stop screw.
(ii) Mark a line of red paint on the screw-nut assembly as
depicted in Section B-B, Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-05.00.64 or ASB No. AS355-05.00.59, as
applicable to your model helicopter. Both ASBs are Revision 0 and
dated August 30, 2011.
(2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS,
inspect the stop screws to determine whether the paint lines on the
screw and the nut are aligned. If the red paint lines are not
aligned, remove the paint, adjust the stop screw, and mark a new
line of paint on the screw-nut assembly as depicted in Section B-B,
Figure 1 of the ASB applicable to your helicopter model.
(e) Special Flight Permit
A one-time flight permit may be granted, provided that the pilot
has full yaw authority before flight.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Continued Operational Safety, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 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
The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation
Safety Agency AD No. 2011-0164, dated August 31, 2011.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, tail rotor
control system.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 6, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-05876 Filed 3-13-13; 8:45 am]
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