[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12373-12375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04285]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0351; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-049-AD;
Amendment 39-17770; AD 2014-04-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355E, F,
F1, F2, and N helicopters with certain tail rotor (T/R) blades. This AD
requires installing additional rivets to secure each T/R blade trailing
edge tab (tab), and inspecting for evidence of debonding of the tab
after the rivets are installed. This AD was prompted by reports of T/R
blade tab debonding. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent
loss of a T/R blade tab, which could result in excessive vibration and
loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective April 9, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 9, 2014.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at
http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region,
[[Page 12374]]
2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
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 foreign authority's ADs,
any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On April 22, 2013, at 78 FR 23692, the Federal Register published
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Eurocopter France (now
Airbus Helicopters) Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D; and AS355E, F, F1,
F2, and N helicopters with a T/R blade, part number (P/N) 355A12-0040-
00, 355A-12-0040-01, 355A12-0040-02, 355A12-0040-03, 355A-12-0040-04,
355A12-0040-05, 355A-12-0040-07, 355A-12-0040-08, or 355A12-0040-14,
all serial numbers (S/N); or P/N 355A12-0050-04, 355A12-0050-10, or
355A12-0050-12, with a S/N 8400 through 9224. The NPRM proposed to
require installing additional rivets to secure each tab, and inspecting
for evidence of debonding of the tab after the rivets are installed.
The proposed requirements were intended to prevent loss of a T/R blade
tab, which could result in excessive vibration and loss of control of
the helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. F-2004-178, dated November 10,
2004, issued by the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the aviation authority for France, for Model AS350B, BA, BB,
B1, B2, B3, and D helicopters, fitted with certain T/R blades. The DGAC
also issued AD No. F-2004-176, dated November 10, 2004, for Model
AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters with certain T/R blades. The DGAC
advises of reports of T/R blade tab debonding, and that the loss of the
tab leads to a significant increase in the aircraft's vibration level.
As a result, the ADs mandate compliance with the manufacturer's service
information to install additional rivets on the tabs.
Since we issued the NPRM, Eurocopter France changed its name to
Airbus Helicopters. This AD reflects that change and updates the
contact information to obtain service information.
Comments
After our NPRM (78 FR 23692, April 22, 2013) was published, we
received comments from one commenter.
Request
American Eurocopter Corp. requested that we remove tail rotor blade
P/Ns 355A12-0040-14, 355A12-0050-10, and 355A12-0050-12 from the
applicability of our AD. The commenter stated that these tail rotor
blades have trailing tabs that are integral with the tail rotor blade
skin and not bonded on, and therefore are not susceptible to the unsafe
condition identified in our AD. We agree and have made the requested
change.
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, the DCAG, its technical
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in
its AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information
provided by the DGAC and determined the unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type
designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD requirements as proposed, except we have changed the
applicability from Eurocopter France to Airbus Helicopters and removed
tail rotor blades, P/N 355A12-0040-14, 355A12-0050-10, and 355A12-0050-
12, from the Applicability section. These changes are consistent with
the intent of the proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 23692, April 22, 2013)
and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase
the scope of the AD.
Differences Between This AD and the DGAC AD
This AD does not include the Model AS350 BB because it does not
have an FAA-issued type certificate. This AD requires compliance within
100 hours time-in-service. The DGAC ADs require compliance within 100
flying hours ``without exceeding 3 months.''
Related Service Information
We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 64.00.05,
Revision 2, dated February 15, 2007, for Model AS350B, BA, BB, B1, B2,
B3, and D helicopters, and ASB No. 64.00.04, Revision 2, dated February
15, 2007, for Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters.
These ASBs specify, within 100 flying hours without exceeding three
months, installing additional rivets on T/R blade tabs and inspecting
each tab for debonding after the rivets have been installed. The DGAC
classified these ASBs as mandatory and issued AD No. F-2004-176 and AD
No. F-2004-178 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 654 helicopters of U.S. registry
and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates,
we expect the following costs:
Installing rivets and inspecting for tab debonding takes 1
hour for a labor cost of $85. Parts cost $100 for a total cost of $185
per helicopter. The cost for the U.S. fleet totals $120,990.
Replacing the tab with an airworthy tab, if needed, takes
4 hours for a total labor cost of $340. Parts cost $100, for a total
cost of $440 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 helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
[[Page 12375]]
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 above, 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2014-04-11 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by
Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-17770; Docket No. FAA-2013-0351;
Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-049-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D; and AS355E,
F, F1, F2, and N helicopters with a tail rotor (T/R) blade, part
number (P/N) 355A12-0040-00, 355A-12-0040-01, 355A12-0040-02,
355A12-0040-03, 355A-12-0040-04, 355A12-0040-05, 355A-12-0040-07,
355A-12-0040-08, all serial numbers (S/N); or P/N 355A12-0050-04,
with a S/N 8400 through 9224, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as T/R blade trailing edge
tab (tab) debonding. This condition could result in excessive
vibration of the helicopter and loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective April 9, 2014.
(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
Within 100 hours time-in-service, install additional rivets on
the trailing edge tab of each T/R blade, according to the following
procedures, referencing Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. 64.00.05, Revision 2, dated February 15, 2007, or
ASB No. 64.00.04, Revision 2, dated February 15, 2007, whichever is
applicable to your model helicopter:
(1) Lightly sand the area to be drilled, using No. 80 then No.
220 sandpaper.
(2) Locate and drill eight 2.5 mm-diameter holes (T): 4 holes
(T) 12 mm from the existing rivets (E) and on the centerline of the
existing rivets (E), then 4 holes (T) 24 mm from the existing rivets
(E) and on the centerline of the existing rivets (E).
(3) Deburr and clean the area around the drilled holes.
(4) Install 8 rivets (1) on tab (L). Any installation direction
of the rivets is permissible (pressure face or suction face of the
T/R blade).
(5) Inspect the tab for debonding.
(i) If there is no debonding, paint the area.
(ii) If there is debonding, replace the tab.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft
Directorate, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal
to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy
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 the Direction Generale de
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD No. F-2004-176 and AD No. F-2004-178,
both dated November 10, 2004. You may view the DCAG ADs on the
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2013-0351.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail rotor
blades.
(i) 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 Alert Service Bulletin 64.00.05, Revision 2,
dated February 15, 2007.
(ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 64.00.04, Revision 2,
dated February 15, 2007.
(3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD,
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax
(972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
(4) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(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 February 19, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-04285 Filed 3-4-14; 8:45 am]
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