[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 9 (Thursday, January 13, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-142]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: January 13, 1994]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 93-SW-02-AD; Amdt. 39-8738; AD 93-23-04]
Airworthiness Directives; Societe Nationale Industrielle
Aerospatiale and Eurocopter France Model SE 3160, SA 315B, SA 316B, SA
316C, and SA 319B Series Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale and
Eurocopter France Model SE 3160, SA 315B, SA 316B, SA 316C, and SA 319B
series helicopters, that requires installation of a supplemental
outside air temperature (OAT) and velocity never exceed (VNE)
airspeed limitation flip chart placard for use in cold temperature
operations and use of a new flight manual supplement. This amendment is
prompted by several reports of excessive main rotor vibrations and
associated cyclic and collective control feedback forces occurring
under conditions of high altitude, high gross weight, cold
temperatures, and high flight speeds when the helicopter is equipped
with a certain design main rotor blade. The actions specified by this
AD are intended to prevent excessive main rotor vibrations that could
result in failure of rotor system components, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective February 17, 1994.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 17, 1994.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Les ``Blades'' de l'Helicoptere, Ltd., 5132 Greencrest
Road, La Canada Flintridge, California 91011. This information may be
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Office of the
Assistant Chief Counsel, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Bldg. 3B, room 158, Fort
Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lirio Liu, Aerospace Engineer, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 3229 East Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-
2425, telephone (310) 988-5229, fax (310) 988-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is
applicable to Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale and
Eurocopter France Model SE 3160, SA 315B, SA 316B, SA 316C, and SA 319B
series helicopters when equipped with certain main rotor blades was
published in the Federal Register on June 7, 1993 (58 FR 31922). That
action proposed to require (1) installation of a supplemental outside
air temperature (OAT) and velocity never exceed (VNE) flip chart
placard that applies to cold temperature operations and (2) use of a
new flight manual supplement.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
The only commenter states that the problem could be alleviated and
it would be unnecessary to issue the AD if common sense were used and
if airspeed was promptly reduced when experiencing excessive
vibrations. The FAA concurs with the comment that slowing the
helicopter will alleviate the condition but maintains that an AD is
still necessary. The FAA believes that mandatory adherence to reduced
airspeeds is necessary to avoid excessive vibration and possible
fatigue damage to rotor system components. The AD requires pilots to
comply with a Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) supplement dated November
25, 1992, and a new OAT and VNE airspeed limitation flip chart
placard. This procedure is consistent with the ``cold temperature''
airspeed limitations approved during many rotorcraft certification
programs.
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with only editorial changes.
The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
The FAA estimates that 35 helicopters of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average
labor rate is $55 per workhour. Based on these figures, the total cost
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,925.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air Transportation, Aircraft, Aviation Safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
AD 93-23-04 Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale and
Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-8738. Docket Number 93-SW-02-AD.
Applicability: Model SE 3160, SA 315B, SA 316B, SA 316C, and SA
319B series helicopters equipped with main rotor blades, part number
(P/N) LOM3160-100 installed in accordance with Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) No. SH778GL, certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required within 25 hours' time-in-service after the
effective date of this airworthiness directive (AD), unless
accomplished previously.
To prevent excessive main rotor vibrations that could result in
failure of rotor system components, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Install an outside air temperature (OAT) and velocity never
exceed (VNE) airspeed limitation flip chart placard, P/N
LOM3160-151, on top of the instrument panel immediately to the right
of the existing VNE placard, using velcro strips as described
in Les ``Blades'' De L'Helicoptere, Ltd. Service Information Letter
No. 1-11-92A, dated December 3, 1992.
(b) After compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD, operate the
helicopter in accordance with the Helicopter Flight Manual
Supplement, approved and dated November 25, 1992, that is applicable
to helicopters modified in accordance with STC SH778GL.
(c) An alternate method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may
be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3229 East
Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425. Operators shall
submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance
Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the
Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished, provided the indicated
airspeed is limited to no more than 50 knots.
(e) The installation shall be done in accordance with Les
``Blades'' de l'Helicoptere, Ltd. Service Information Letter No. 1-
11-92A, dated December 3, 1992. This incorporation by reference was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from Les
``Blades'' de l'Helicoptere, Ltd., 5132 Greencrest Road, La Canada
Flintridge, California 91011. Copies may be inspected at the FAA,
Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 4400 Blue Mound Road, bldg.
3B, room 158, Fort Worth, Texas 76106; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
(f) This amendment becomes effective February 17, 1994.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 12, 1993.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 94-142 Filed 1-12-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P