[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 187 (Thursday, September 26, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59306-59308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23437]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0826; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-046-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 SA330J helicopters. This proposed AD would prohibit use of the
hydraulic hoist in helicopters equipped with certain parts and
configurations until a hoist beam lower fitting protector is installed.
This proposed AD is prompted by a report that the hoist cable jammed
during a rescue at sea. The proposed actions are intended to prevent
the hoist cable from jamming and subsequent cable failure, which could
result in injury and damage to the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 25,
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 foreign
authority's 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, 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. 2009-0271R1, dated July 8, 2011, to correct an unsafe condition for
Eurocopter Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J
helicopters with certain hoist beams installed. EASA advises that
during a hoisting operation, a hydraulic hoist cable jammed against the
base of the supporting strut of a dual hoist tray installation.
According to EASA, the load was transferred to the back-up electrical
hoist and safely brought on board. However, the jamming of the
hydraulic hoist cable against the strut damaged the back-up electrical
hoist power supply harness, which is routed through the area, resulting
in a short circuit that fused and ruptured the cable. EASA reports that
this condition, if not corrected, could lead to further incidents of
hoist cable jamming and subsequent cable failure, which could result in
personal injuries and damage to the helicopter.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
France and
[[Page 59307]]
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 one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB),
Revision 3, dated July 6, 2011, with three different numbers. EASB No.
25.02.08 is for civil and military Model AS332-series helicopters; EASB
No. 25.01.29 is for military Model AS532-series helicopters; and EASB
No. 25.39 is for civil and military Model SA330-series helicopters. The
EASB originally provided instructions to prevent the main hydraulic
hoist cable from becoming jammed and damaged in the fixed fitting of
the hoist beam lower fitting. The revisions add further instructions
and expand the effectivity to more helicopters and helicopter equipment
configurations. The revisions also extend some compliance deadlines,
and revise some instructions to account for improved installation
procedures. After further investigation, the most recent revisions
remove some helicopter models from the list of applicable helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require installing a placard that prohibits
raising or lowering the load in case of a cable jam. If the hoist
control electrical harness is routed at the base of the hoist
supporting strut, the proposed AD would require disabling the hoist
pyrotechnic shear function and installing placards that state the hoist
pyrotechnic shear function is disabled. The proposed AD would also
require either installing a hoist beam lower fitting protector or
installing placards that prohibit operating the hydraulic hoist.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
Our AD would differ from the EASA AD as follows:
The EASA AD requires certain actions before the next flight, while
we would require the same actions before the next hoisting operation.
The EASA AD sets calendar dates that have passed for compliance,
while we set compliance based on hours time-in-service.
The EASA AD misidentifies the Eurocopter SA330J service bulletin
number and paragraph number in its required actions for Model SA330J
helicopters. This proposed AD would require compliance with paragraph
2.B.4 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.39,
Revision 3, dated July 5, 2011.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 20 helicopters of
U.S. Registry and that work hours would average $85 an hour. Based on
these estimates, we would expect the following costs:
The cost for installing and removing placards is minimal.
Disabling the hoist pyrotechnic shear function would
require 1 work-hour and no parts would be needed for a cost of $85 per
helicopter, $1,700 for the U.S. fleet.
Installation of the hoist beam lower fitting protector for
Model AS332 helicopters without a right hand (RH) sliding door and
without a short footstep would require 6 work-hours for a labor cost of
$510 per helicopter. Parts would cost $4,760 for a total cost of $5,270
per helicopter.
Installation of the hoist beam lower fitting protector and
short footstep with lower side protector for Model AS332 helicopters
without a RH sliding door and with a short footstep would require 12
work-hours for a labor cost of $1020 per helicopter. Parts would cost
$26,891 for a total cost of $27,401 per helicopter.
Installation of the hoist beam protector for Model AS332
helicopters with a RH sliding door would require 3 work-hours for a
labor cost of $255 per helicopter. Parts would cost $20,858 for a total
cost of $21,113 per helicopter.
Installation of the hoist beam protector for Model SA330J
helicopters would require 3 work-hours for a labor cost of $255 per
helicopter. Parts would cost $4,774 for a total cost of $5,029 per
helicopter.
Enabling the hoist pyrotechnic shear function would require 1 work-
hour and no parts would be needed for a cost of $85 per helicopter.
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 (Eurocopter): Docket No. FAA-2013-0826;
Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-046-AD.
[[Page 59308]]
(a) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to the following helicopters, certificated
in any category:
(i) Eurocopter Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332 L1, and AS332 L2
helicopters with a hoist beam, Part Number (P/N) 330A87-2345-00, -
01, -02, -03, -04, -05, or -06, installed with a single or double
hoist plate; and
(ii) Eurocopter Model SA330J helicopters with a hoist beam, P/N
330A87-2345-00, -01, -02, -03, -04, -05, or -06, installed with a
single hoist plate.
(b) Unsafe Condition
The unsafe condition is defined as hoist cable jamming and
subsequent cable failure, which could result in injuries or damage
to the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
Comments are due November 25, 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
(1) Before the next hoist operation:
(i) For all helicopters, install a placard in full view of the
hoist operator that states: ``IN CASE OF CABLE JAM AGAINST STRUT DO
NOT ATTEMPT TO RAISE OR LOWER LOAD''.
(ii) For helicopters with a hoist control electrical harness
routed at the base of the hoist supporting strut:
(A) Disable the hoist pyrotechnic shear function.
(B) Install a placard on the instrument panel in full view of
the flight crew that states:
``HOIST PYROTECHNIC SHEAR FUNCTION DISABLED''.
(C) Install a placard in full view of the hoist operator that
states:
``HOIST PYROTECHNIC SHEAR FUNCTION DISABLED. IN CASE OF
NECESSITY, CUT THE HOIST CABLE WITH THE SHEARS LOCATED IN THE
CABIN.''
(iii) For helicopters listed in Paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD
with a tray-mounted double hoist installed with the back-up
electrical hoist power supply harness routed at the base of the
hoist supporting strut, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protector in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.b of
Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.02.08, Revision
3, dated July 6, 2011 (EASB), and if a short footstep, P/N 332P21-
9000-00 or 332P21-2052-01, is installed, also install the short
footstep with lower side protector in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.c.2, of the EASB; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew
and one in full view of the the hoist operator, that state:
``IN-FLIGHT OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.''
(2) Within 60 hours time-in-service:
(i) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD
without a tray-mounted double hoist installed with the back-up
electrical hoist power supply harness routed at the base of the
hoist supporting strut and without a right hand sliding door, P/N
332A22-1165-01, installed, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protecter in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2.b, of the EASB
and if a short footstep, P/N 332P21-9000-00 or 332P21-2052-01, is
installed, also install the short footstep with lower side protector
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
2.B.2.c.2, of the EASB; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew
and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state:
``IN-FLIGHT OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.''
(ii) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD
with a right hand sliding door, P/N 332A22-1165-01, installed, do
one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protector in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.5, of the EASB;
or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew
and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state:
``IN-FLIGHT OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.''
(iii) For Model SA330J helicopters, do one of the following:
(A) Install a hoist beam lower fitting protector in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.4, of Eurocopter
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 25.39, Revision 3, dated July
5, 2011; or
(B) Install two placards, one in full view of the flight crew
and one in full view of the hoist operator, that state:
``IN-FLIGHT OPERATION OF THE HOIST IS PROHIBITED.''
(3) For any helicopter that has been modified per paragraph
(e)(1)(iii)(A), (e)(2)(i)(A), (e)(2)(ii)(A), or (e)(2)(iii)(A) of
this AD, do the following before the next hoist operation:
(i) Re-establish the hoist pyrotechnic shear function if
disabled per paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(A).
(ii) Remove any placards if installed as required by paragraph
(e)(1)(i), (e)(1)(ii)(B), (e)(1)(ii)(C), (e)(1)(iii)(B),
(e)(2)(i)(B), (e)(2)(ii)(B), or (e)(2)(iii)(B).
(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, 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 European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2009-0271R1, dated July 8, 2011. You may view
the EASA AD at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating it in Docket No. FAA-2013-0826.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7100, Powerplant
System.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 17, 2013.
Gwendolynne O'Connell,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-23437 Filed 9-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P