[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 119 (Thursday, June 20, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37156-37158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14701]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0524; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-084-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 (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2,
and EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require visually
inspecting each jettisonable emergency exit window panel (window) for
sealant, and removing any sealant that exists in the window's extruded
sections. This proposed AD is prompted by jettison tests during routine
maintenance inspections that showed the windows failed to jettison. The
proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of the windows to
jettison, so helicopter occupants can exit the aircraft during an
emergency.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 19, 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 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: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601
[[Page 37157]]
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. 2012-0152, dated August 13, 2012, to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Eurocopter Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1,
AS 332 L2 and EC 225 LP helicopters. EASA reports that during required
maintenance checks, there have been problems jettisoning emergency exit
windows. According to EASA, investigations on several windows showed
sealant between the extrusion and the window. ``This condition, if not
detected and corrected, could prevent the jettisoning of a window,
possibly affecting the evacuation of passengers in the event of an
emergency situation,'' EASA states.
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 issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS332-56.00.04
for Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters and
ASB No. EC225-56A002 for the EC225LP helicopter, both dated August 8,
2012. Eurocopter advises of difficulties jettisoning the window panel
when performing a jettison test due to sealant installed between the
extrusion and the window. According to Eurocopter, jettison tests are
to be performed every two years. The ASBs provide instructions to
inspect each jettisonable window panel to determine whether there is
sealant between the extrusion and the window.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require, within 110 hours time-in-service
(TIS), visually inspecting each window for sealant between the
extrusion and the window. If there is sealant, the AD would require
removing the sealant.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model AS 332 C1 helicopters, and this
proposed AD does not because that model is not FAA type-certificated.
The EASA AD requires the inspection of each window within 110 hours TIS
or six months, while this proposed AD requires the inspection within
110 hours TIS.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 19 helicopters of
U.S. Registry and that labor rates average $85 a work-hour. Based on
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
Visually inspecting the windows for sealant would require
1 work-hour for a labor cost of $85 per helicopter, and $1,615 for the
U.S. fleet.
If needed, removing the sealant from the windows would
require 2 work-hours for a labor cost of $170 per window.
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):
[[Page 37158]]
Eurocopter France Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2013-0524; Directorate
Identifier 2012-SW-084-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2 and EC225LP helicopters, certificated in
any category, that have never undergone a window-jettison test.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as the presence of sealant
on an emergency exit window panel. This condition could result in
the window failing to jettison, preventing the helicopter occupants
from exiting the aircraft during an emergency.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 19, 2013.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless accomplished
previously.
(e) Required Actions
Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspect each
jettisonable emergency exit window panel (window) by doing the
following:
(1) Lift the extrusion slightly using a flat tool that does not
cause scoring.
(2) Inspect for sealant on the inside and outside of the window
between the window and the extrusion and between the extrusion and
the structure.
Note 1 to paragraph (e)(1)(2): The presence of a sealant bead
on the extrusion parting lines, on the window pull-out seal parting
lines, and on the pull-out straps is expected, as shown in Figure 1
of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332-56.00.04 or ASB No.
EC225-56A002, both dated August 8, 2012 (ASB), as appropriate for
your model helicopter.
(3) If there is no sealant as shown in Photo 1 of Figure 2 of
the ASB, no further action is required.
(4) If there is sealant between the structure and the profile as
shown in Photo 2 of Figure 2 of the ASB or if you cannot determine
whether there is sealant, remove the extrusion.
(5) Remove all sealant from the extrusion, the window, and the
structure.
(6) If there is any crazing, cracking or other damage on the
extrusion, replace with an airworthy extrusion.
(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
[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) Eurocopter ASB No. AS332-56.00.04 and ASB No. EC225-56A002,
both dated August 8, 2012, 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, 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.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency AD No. 2012-0152, dated August 13, 2012.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency
Exits.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 13, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-14701 Filed 6-19-13; 8:45 am]
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