[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 105 (Monday, June 2, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31229-31231]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12740]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 105 / Monday, June 2, 2014 / Proposed
Rules
[[Page 31229]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0333; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-025-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously
Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2
helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting each TECALEMIT
flexible hydraulic hose (hose) installed in the main gearbox (MGB)
compartment and replacing the hose if a crack, cut, or other damage
exists. This proposed AD is prompted by reports about the loss of in-
flight hydraulic pressure on Eurocopter helicopters. The proposed
actions are intended to prevent loss of the hydraulic system and
consequently, loss of helicopter control.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 1, 2014.
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 European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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
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, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas
76137.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, 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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013-0069, dated March 18, 2013,
to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters)
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP
helicopters. EASA advises that in-flight losses of hydraulic pressure
were reported on these helicopters because of ``significant'' tears on
the protection sheath of MGB hydraulic flexible ``pipes'' manufactured
by TECALEMIT. This condition could lead to simultaneous left-hand and
right-hand hydraulic system leakage, loss of the hydraulic system, and
consequently, loss of helicopter control could occur, EASA advises.
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 Service Bulletin (SB) No. EC225-05-027, Revision
1, dated July 17, 2013, for Model EC225LP helicopters and SB No. AS332-
05.00.92, Revision 1, dated July 17, 2013, for Model AS332C, AS332C1,
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2 and military Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332F1,
AS332M and AS332M1 helicopters. The SBs state Eurocopter received a
report concerning the loss of pressure in the left-hand hydraulic
system in-flight. Hydraulic fluid was found in the cabin, though the
flight was completed without further incident. An examination of the
hydraulic system showed that the hose located between the forward
servo-
[[Page 31230]]
control and the hydraulic manifold had burst. Further investigations
have shown corrosion on the metal braid located under the fire-
resistant sheath of hoses manufactured by TECALEMIT. The corrosion may
be caused by the deterioration or gaping of the fire-resistant sheath
at the hose ends, enabling humidity to enter between the sheath and the
metal braid. Eurocopter recommends inspecting the hoses regardless of
their manufacturer. As a result, the SBs require checking each hose for
a notch, tear, crack, or friction mark, measuring any damage found, and
replacing any hose that has damage.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require: Within 110 hours time-in-service
(TIS) and every 110 hours TIS thereafter, visually inspecting each
TECALEMIT hose installed in the MGB compartment. If there is a cut or
crack in the hose sheath that allows you to see the metal braid
underneath, replace the hose before further flight. If there is a cut,
crack or other damage in the hose on the right hand hydraulic system
that does not allow you to see the metal braid underneath, replace the
hose with an airworthy hose within 300 hours TIS. If there is a cut,
crack or other damage in the hose on the left hand hydraulic system
that does not allow you to see the metal braid underneath, replace the
hose with an airworthy hose within 600 hours TIS.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires a one-time inspection, while the proposed AD
would require that the inspection of the hoses be repeated every 110
hours TIS. The EASA AD requires that if severe damage is found in a
hose on the right hand hydraulic system then the hose be replaced
before the next flight, while the proposed AD would require this
regardless of whether the hose is on the right hand or left hand
hydraulic system. The EASA AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model
AS332C1 helicopter. The proposed AD would not because Model AS332C1
helicopters have no FAA type certificate. The EASA had sets some
compliance times based on months. We set compliance times based only on
hours TIS.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 19 helicopters of
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
Inspecting the hoses installed in a MGB compartment would require
1.5 work-hours for a labor cost of about $128 per helicopter, $2,432
for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing a hose would require 2.5 work-hours for a labor cost of
about $213. Parts would cost $2,000 for a total cost of $2,213 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 proposed 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):
Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France) (Airbus
Helicopters): Docket No. FAA-2014-0333; Directorate Identifier 2013-
SW-025-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP, AS332C,
AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with a TECALEMIT main gear
box (MGB) hydraulic flexible hose (hose) installed, certificated in
any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as loss of hydraulic
pressure because of the failure of a hose. This condition could
result in loss of the hydraulic system and consequently, loss of
helicopter control.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 1, 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
(1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, visually inspect each
TECALEMIT hose installed in the MGB compartment for a cut, crack, or
other damage.
(2) If there is a cut, crack, or any other damage in the hose
sheath that allows you to see the metal braid underneath when
pinching or twisting the sheath, replace the hose before further
flight.
(3) If there is a cut, crack, or any other damage in the hose
sheath on the right hand hydraulic system that does not allow you to
see the metal braid underneath, replace the hose within 300 hours
TIS.
(4) If there is a cut, crack, or any other damage in the hose
sheath on the left hand hydraulic system that does not allow you to
see the metal braid underneath, replace the hose within 600 hours
TIS.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management
[[Page 31231]]
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
(1) Eurocopter Service Bulletin (SB) No. EC225-05-027 and SB No.
AS332-05.00.92, both Revision 1 and dated July 17, 2013; Eurocopter
SB No. AS332-29.00.17 and SB No. EC225-29-005, both Revision 0 and
both dated June 21, 2013; and Eurocopter Information Notice No.
2506-I-29, Revision 2, dated July 24, 2013; which are not
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the
subject of this AD. 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, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room
663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-0069, dated March 18, 2013. You may
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA-2014-0333.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2910, Main
Hydraulic System.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 21, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-12740 Filed 5-30-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P