[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 206 (Thursday, October 24, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63429-63431]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24942]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0872; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-012-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 Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, and
SA330J helicopters with a certain tail rotor control turnbuckle
(turnbuckle) installed. This proposed AD would require inspecting the
turnbuckles for corrosion or a crack, and depending on the results,
either replacing the turnbuckle or treating the turnbuckle for
corrosion. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that a turnbuckle
had failed because of corrosion. The proposed actions are intended to
detect corrosion or a crack on a turnbuckle and prevent the failure of
a turnbuckle, loss of control of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 23,
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, 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. 2013-0081, dated March 26, 2013, to correct an unsafe condition for
the Eurocopter Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2,
EC225LP helicopters equipped with tail rotor control turnbuckles, part
number 330A27-5031-20. EASA advises that one of the two turnbuckles
installed on the tail rotor's yaw flight control cables failed on a
helicopter because of corrosion. The subsequent investigation revealed
a lack of Mastinox sealant coating between both sides of the
turnbuckle's internal tappings and the interface screws of the end-
fitting components of the yaw flight control cables. EASA advises that
this likely caused the corrosion. This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to failure of a tail rotor control turnbuckle,
resulting in loss of control of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
To address this condition, EASA issued AD No. 2013-0081, which
requires repetitive inspections of each turnbuckle and, depending on
the results, either replacing the turnbuckle or treating the turnbuckle
for corrosion. EASA revised its AD and issued AD No. 2013-0081R1, dated
June 20, 2013, to clarify some of the requirements.
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
On March 14, 2013, Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
No. EC225-05A031 for Model No. EC225LP helicopters; ASB No. AS332-
05.00.95 for Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1 and AS332L2 and for
military Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332F1,
[[Page 63430]]
AS332M and AS332M1 helicopters; and ASB No. SA330-05.98 for Model
SA330J and military Model SA330Ba, SA330Ca, SA330Ea, SA330H, SA330L,
SA330Jm, SA330S1 and SA330Sm helicopters. Eurocopter reports that a
tail rotor control turnbuckle ruptured because of corrosion. The damage
was discovered during a flight-control check after the main gearbox was
replaced. An investigation revealed that Mastinox sealant was missing
between the turnbuckle tappings and end-fittings and led to the
formation of galvanic corrosion. To prevent a turnbuckle from
splitting, Eurocopter called for checking all tail rotor control
turnbuckles for cracks and corrosion every 12 months. On June 5, 2013,
Eurocopter revised all of the ASBs with Revision 1 to clarify a
requirement.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require:
For helicopters delivered before March 1, 2013, within 110 hours
time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs first, and at
intervals not to exceed 12 months thereafter, inspecting the
turnbuckles for corrosion or a crack. The delivery date is the date the
helicopter left Eurocopter's manufacturing plant in France and is the
date on the helicopter's identification plate.
For helicopters delivered on or after March 1, 2013, within 12
months, and at intervals not to exceed 12 months thereafter, inspecting
the turnbuckles for corrosion or a crack.
If there is corrosion or a crack on the tappings or middle hole of
the internal surface of the turnbuckle, or if there is corrosion with a
depth of more than 0.3 mm or a crack on the external surface of a
turnbuckle, removing the turnbuckle from service before the next
flight.
If corrosion is present at or less than a depth of 0.3 mm on the
turnbuckle's external surface, before the next flight, treating the
affected turnbuckle to prevent corrosion and then removing the treated
turnbuckle from service within 6 months from the date the part is
treated for corrosion.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS332C1 helicopters. This
proposed AD does not because Model AS332C1 helicopters are not type
certificated in the United States.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 46 helicopters of
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on
these estimates, we would expect the following costs:
Inspecting the tail rotor control turnbuckles for
corrosion or a crack would require 4 work-hours for a labor cost of
$340. Parts would cost $148 for a total cost of $488 per helicopter,
$22,448 for the U.S. fleet.
Treating the turnbuckle to prevent corrosion would require
1 work-hour for a labor cost of $85. The cost of parts is minimal for a
total cost of $85 per helicopter.
Replacing the turnbuckle would not require additional
labor costs because it can be done as part of the inspection. Parts
would cost $173 for a total cost of $173 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: Docket No. FAA-2013-0872; Directorate Identifier
2013-SW-012-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, and SA330J helicopters with a
tail rotor control turnbuckle (turnbuckle), part number (P/N)
330A27-5031-20, installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a turnbuckle.
This condition could result in loss of the tail rotor control and
subsequent loss of helicopter control.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 23, 2013.
(d) 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.
(e) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters delivered before March 1, 2013, within 110
hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs first, and
for helicopters delivered on or after March 1, 2013, within 12
months, and thereafter for all helicopters at intervals not to
exceed 12 months, using a light source visually inspect the
tappings, middle hole, and external surface of each turnbuckle for
corrosion or a crack. Indications of corrosion include dirt, a
bulge, faded paint, a powdery deposit, or a pit that is white or red
in color.
(i) If there is corrosion or a crack on the tappings or middle
hole of the internal
[[Page 63431]]
surface of a turnbuckle, replace the turnbuckle before further
flight.
(ii) If there is a crack on the external surface of a
turnbuckle, replace the turnbuckle before further flight.
(iii) If there is corrosion on the external surface of the
turnbuckle, remove the corrosion, recondition the surface, and
measure the corrosion depth in accordance with paragraph 3.B.2.b.2
of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. EC225-05A031, ASB No.
AS332-05.00.95, or ASB No. SA330-05.98, all Revision 1 and all dated
June 5, 2013, as applicable to your model helicopter, except that
you are not required to interpret the results per ASB paragraph
1.E.2.
(A) If the measured corrosion depth is greater than 0.3 mm,
replace the turnbuckle before further flight.
(B) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.3 mm or less, do the
following:
(1) Before further flight, treat the turnbuckle for corrosion in
accordance with paragraph 3.B.2.c of ASB No. EC225-05A031, ASB No.
AS332-05.00.95, or ASB No. SA330-05.98, as applicable to your model
helicopter.
(2) Within 6 months from when the turnbuckle is treated for
corrosion, replace the turnbuckle.
(2) After installation of a turnbuckle, P/N 330A27-5031-20, with
greater than 0 hours TIS, before next flight accomplish the actions
of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(f) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) 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.
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-0081, dated March 26, 2013. You may view
the EASA AD in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft
Flight Control.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on September 27, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-24942 Filed 10-23-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P