[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 76 (Friday, April 19, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23462-23465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08459]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0307; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-079-AD;
Amendment 39-17410; AD 2013-07-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting an airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter
France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters and
superseding an AD for Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters. This AD
requires inspecting the chip detector and modifying the chip collector,
both installed on the main gearbox (MGB). This AD is prompted by an
investigation which showed a failure within the epicyclic reduction
gear module (epicyclic module) resulted in the rupture of the MGB case
and separation of the main rotor head of a Model AS332L2 helicopter.
These actions are intended to prevent failure of the MGB and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 6, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of May 6, 2013.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 18, 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.
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 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 AD, contact American
Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas
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: Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham
Blvd.,
[[Page 23463]]
Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-4389; fax: (817) 222-
5961, email [email protected].
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 December 28, 2011, we issued AD 2012-01-03, Amendment 39-16914
(77 FR 5991, February 7, 2012) for Eurocopter Model AS332L2 and EC225LP
helicopters. AD 2012-01-03, Amendment 39-16914 requires determining
whether the ``CHIP'' detector light illuminated because of a metal
particle on the chip detector of the epicyclic module, and whether the
``CHIP'' detector light stayed illuminated after the ``CHIP'' detector
switch was turned to the ``CHIP PULSE'' setting. If so, or if the
maintenance records do not indicate which ``CHIP'' detector caused the
``CHIP'' detector light to illuminate or whether the detector light
stayed illuminated after the switch was turned, AD 2012-01-03 requires
replacing the epicyclic module before further flight. AD 2012-01-03
also requires replacing the epicyclic module if, thereafter, the
``CHIP'' detector light illuminates, stays illuminated after the switch
is turned, and there is a metal particle on the epicyclic module chip
detector. Lastly, AD 2012-01-03 requires removing, modifying, re-
identifying, and reinstalling the chip collector within 50 hours time-
in-serivce (TIS) and before installing a MGB on any applicable
helicopter.
AD 2012-01-03, Amendment 39-16914 (77 FR 5991, February 7, 2012)
was prompted by an investigation of an accident that showed a failure
within the epicyclic reduction gear module of the MGB resulted in the
rupture of the MGB case, which allowed the main rotor head to separate
from the helicopter. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which
is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, had
issued EASA AD 2009-0099-E, dated April 23, 2009 (2009-0099-E) to
correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model AS332L2 and EC225LP
helicopters, and notified us of the unsafe condition in its AD. The
actions of AD 2012-01-03 are intended to prevent failure of the MGB and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2012-01-03, Amendment 39-16914 (77 FR 5991,
February 7, 2012), EASA issued EASA AD No. 2012-0129-E, dated July 13,
2012 (2012-0129-E), which superseded EASA AD 2009-0099-E, to correct an
unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1,
AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. EASA advises that, based on the final
accident report following investigation of the accident that prompted
its original AD, it is necessary to standardize the inspection
intervals for all electrical and non-electrical chip detectors, require
the inspection for all models of the ``Super-Puma'' helicopter family,
and expand the inspection to all rotor drive system gear boxes (the
intermediate gearbox (IGB) and the tail gear box (TGB), in addition to
the MGB. EASA AD 2012-0129-E retains the modification of the MGB
epicyclic reduction gear module requirement of EASA AD 2009-0099-E, but
expands the applicability and requires a recurring inspection of all
electrical and non-electrical chip detectors installed on the MGB, IGB,
and TGB.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same
type designs.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Emergency ASB No. 05.00.81, Revision 3, dated
July 13, 2012 (EASB 05.00.81), for Model AS332L2 helicopters and
Emergency ASB No. 05A017, Revision 3, dated July 13, 2012 (EASB 05A017)
for Model EC225LP helicopters. Both Emergency ASBs specify procedures
for checking the chip detector on the MGB epicyclic module, modifying
the main module chip collector, reidentifying the chip collector, and
installing the chip detector.
Eurocopter has also issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-
05.00.94, Revision 0, dated July 13, 2012 (ASB AS332-05.00.94), for
Model AS332 C, C1, L, L1, and L2 helicopters and ASB No. EC225-05A29,
Revision 0, dated July 13, 2012 (ASB EC225-05A29) for Model EC225 LP
helicopters. Both ASBs standardize the time interval between chip
detector inspections of the MGB, IGB, and TGB.
EASA classified these ASBs as mandatory and issued EASA AD 2012-
0129-E to ensure continued airworthiness of these helicopters.
AD Requirements
This AD retains the inspection and modification requirements of AD
2012-01-03, Amendment 39-16914 (77 FR 5991, February 7, 2012), and adds
the following requirements:
For AS332 helicopters with non-electrical chip detectors
and electrical chip detectors without a caution light on the instrument
panel, within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25
hours TIS, inspecting the MGB, IGB, and TGB chip detectors for a chip
or magnetic particle.
For AS332 helicopters with electrical chip detectors with
a caution light on the instrument panel, within 50 hours TIS and
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 50 hours TIS, inspecting the MGB,
IGB, and TGB chip detectors for a chip or magnetic particle.
For EC225 helicopters, within 50 hours TIS and thereafter
at intervals not exceeding 50 hours TIS, inspecting the MGB, IGB, and
TGB chip detectors for a chip or magnetic particle. If there is a chip
or magnetic particle, verifying that the ``CHIP'' caution light
illuminates on the ``Vehicle'' page of the Vehicle Management System.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 6 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per work hour, we
estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to
comply with this AD:
[[Page 23464]]
Inspecting maintenance records to determine if a ``CHIP''
light illuminated within the past 200 hours TIS will take about 1.0
work-hour, for a total cost per helicopter of $85;
Removing, inspecting, and replacing an affected epicyclic
module will require about 10 work-hours and required parts would cost
approximately $512,318, for a total cost per helicopter of $513,168;
Removing, modifying, and reidentifying the ``CHIP''
collector will require about 14 work-hours, for a total cost per
helicopter of $1,190; and
Inspecting the module magnetic chip detector circuit and
the MGB, IGB, and TGB chip detectors will require about 2 work-hours,
for a total cost per helicopter of $170 per inspection cycle.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
The short compliance time involved is required because the
previously-described unsafe condition can adversely affect both the
structural integrity and controllability of the helicopter. Therefore,
because these helicopters are primarily used for long-range offshore
transportation and the inspection of the MGB, IGB, and TGB chip
detectors is required within 25 hours TIS, a very short time period
based on the average flight-hour utilization rate of these helicopters,
this AD must be issued immediately.
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
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, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2012-01-03, Amendment 39-16914 (77 FR 5991, February 7, 2012) and
adding the following new AD:
2013-07-06 Eurocopter France (Eurocopter): Amendment 39-17410;
Docket No. FAA-2013-0307; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-079-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1,
AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as degradation of the
epicyclic reduction gear module within a rotor drive system gearbox.
This condition could result in failure of the main gearbox (MGB),
intermediate gearbox (IGB), or tail gearbox (TGB) and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2012-01-03, Amendment No. 39-16914 (77 FR
5991, February 7, 2012).
(d) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 6, 2013.
(e) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(f) Required Actions
(1) For Model AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters, before further
flight:
(i) Determine from the maintenance records whether, within the
last 200 hours time-in-service (TIS), the ``CHIP'' detector light
illuminated because of a metal particle on the chip detector of the
MGB epicyclic module (module), and if so, whether the ``CHIP''
detector light stayed illuminated after the ``CHIP'' detector switch
was turned to the ``CHIP PULSE'' setting to activate the ``fuzz
burn-off'' feature.
(A) If the maintenance records indicate that the ``CHIP''
detector light illuminated because of a metal particle on the chip
detector of the module, and the ``CHIP'' detector light stayed
illuminated after the ``CHIP'' detector switch was turned to the
``CHIP PULSE'' setting, replace the module with an airworthy module
before further flight.
(B) If the maintenance records do not indicate which ``CHIP''
detector caused the ``CHIP'' detector light to illuminate, or
whether the detector light stayed illuminated after the ``CHIP''
detector switch was turned to the ``CHIP PULSE'' setting, replace
the module with an airworthy module before further flight.
(ii) Inspect the module magnetic chip detector electrical
circuit and determine whether the system is functioning properly,
including whether the ``CHIP'' detector light annunciates on the
instrument panel (Vehicle Monitoring System Screen).
(iii) After accomplishing paragraph (f)(1)(i)-(ii) of this AD,
thereafter, if the ``CHIP'' detector light illuminates, stays
illuminated after the chip detector switch is turned to the ``CHIP
PULSE'' setting, and there is a metal particle on the module
magnetic chip detector (rather than the main reduction gear (lower
MGB), the flared housing (mast assembly), the IGB, or the TGB chip
detectors) that caused the ``CHIP'' detector light to illuminate,
replace the module with an airworthy module.
(iv) Within 50 hours TIS, remove, modify, reidentify, and
reinstall the chip collector as shown in Figures 2 through 5, and in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.b.1
through 2.B.1.b.5, of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
(EASB) No. 05.00.81, Revision 3, dated July 13, 2012, or Eurocopter
EASB No. 05A017, Revision 3,
[[Page 23465]]
dated July 13, 2012, for your model helicopter.
(v) Before installing a MGB, modify, reidentify, and reinstall
the chip collector in accordance with paragraph (f)(1)(iv) of this
AD.
(2) Within 25 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not
exceeding 25 hours TIS:
(i) For Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters with non-electrical
chip detectors and electrical chip detectors without a caution light
on the instrument panel, inspect the IGB, TGB, tapered housing, and
MGB bottom casing chip detectors for a chip or metallic particle.
(ii) For Model AS332L2 helicopters with non-electrical chip
detectors and electrical chip detectors without a caution light on
the instrument panel, inspect the module, main rotor mast tapered
housing, IGB, and TGB chip detectors for a chip or metallic
particle.
(3) Within 50 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not
exceeding 50 hours TIS:
(i) For Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters with electrical chip
detectors with a caution light on the instrument panel, inspect the
MGB bottom casing, TGB, and IGB chip detectors for a chip or
metallic particle.
(ii) For Model AS332L2 helicopters with electrical chip
detectors with a caution light on the instrument panel, inspect the
MGB bottom casing chip detector for a chip or magnetic particle.
(iii) For Model EC225LP helicopters, inspect the MGB, IGB, and
TGB chip detectors for a chip or magnetic particle. If there is a
chip or magnetic particle, determine whether the ``CHIP'' caution
light illuminates on the ``Vehicle'' page of the Vehicle Management
System. If the ``CHIP'' caution light does not illuminate on the
``Vehicle'' page, perform a fault analysis.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-
5110; fax: (817) 222-5961, 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.
(h) Additional Information
(1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-05-00-94,
Revision 0, dated July 13, 2012, and ASB No. EC225-05A29, Revision
0, dated July 13, 2012, which are not incorporated by reference,
contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For
service information identified in this AD, contact American
Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas
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 European Aviation
Safety Agency AD No. 2012-0129-E, dated July 13, 2012.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320: Main Rotor
Gearbox and 6520: Tail Rotor Gearbox.
(j) 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) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No.
05.00.81, Revision 3, dated July 13, 2012.
Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2)(i): Eurocopter EASB No. 05.00.81,
Revision 3, dated July 13, 2012, and EASB No. 05.00.58, Revision 3,
dated July 13, 2012, were published together as a single document.
EASB No. 05.00.58, Revision 3, dated July 13, 2012 is not
incorporated by reference.
(ii) Eurocopter EASB No. 05A017, Revision 3, dated July 13,
2012.
Note 2 to paragraph (j)(2)(ii): Eurocopter EASB No. 05A017,
Revision 3, dated July 13, 2012, and EASB No. 05A016, Revision 3,
dated July 13, 2012, were published together as a single document.
EASB No. 05A016, Revision 3, dated July 13, 2012 is not incorporated
by reference.
(3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD,
contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, Texas 75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323,
fax (972) 641-3775, or at http://www.eurocopter.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: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 27, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-08459 Filed 4-18-13; 8:45 am]
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