[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30378-30380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14929]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-SW-22-AD; Amendment 39-10564; AD 98-12-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Formerly 
Aerospatiale, Society Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation) Model SA-
365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to Eurocopter France (Formerly Aerospatiale, Society 
Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, SA-
365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters, that requires an inspection of the 
transmission deck for cracks; repair of any cracked transmission deck; 
and replacement of the transmission deck support beams (support beams) 
with redesigned support beams. This amendment is prompted by several 
reports of cracks in the transmission deck and support beams. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to detect cracks that reduce 
the strength of the main gearbox strut attachment and could result in 
failure of the main

[[Page 30379]]

gearbox mounting, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective July 9, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 9, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-
3527. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort 
Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike Mathias, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, ASW-111, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France SA-365N, SA-
365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters was published in the Federal 
Register on December 3, 1997 (62 FR 63912). That action proposed to 
require an inspection of the transmission deck for cracks; repair of 
any cracked transmission deck; and replacement of the support beams 
with redesigned support beams.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 137 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 50 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$5,000 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,096,000.
    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 part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

AD 98-12-08 Eurocopter France (Formerly Aerospatiale, Society 
Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation): Amendment 39-10564. Docket 
No. 96-SW-22-AD.

    Applicability: Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority 
provided in paragraph (c) to request approval from the FAA. This 
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration 
eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to 
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect cracks that reduce the strength of the main gearbox 
strut attachment and could result in failure of the main gearbox 
mounting, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) For Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters, on or 
before attaining 4,000 hours time-in-service (TIS), or within 50 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later; and for Model SA-365N2 helicopters, on or before attaining 
2,000 hour TIS, or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later; perform the following:
    (1) Inspect the transmission deck for cracks using a dye-
penetrant inspection method, in accordance with paragraph BB of 
Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 1995. 
If a crack is found in the transmission deck, repair prior to 
further flight.

    Note 2: A FAA-approved repair solution can be initiated by 
contacting the American Eurocopter Technical Support Department, 
ATTN: Manager, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.

    (2) Replace the currently installed transmission deck support 
beams, part numbers (P/N) 365A21-3365-49 and 365A21-3365-CY, with 
reinforced transmission deck support beams, P/N 365A21-3365-JE-01 
and 365A21-3365-JF-01, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.36, 
Rev. 1, dated December 16, 1996.
    (b) After completion of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, 
clean, prime and paint the affected areas of the transmission deck 
and the reinforced support beams in accordance with paragraph BB 2A 
of Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 
1995.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, FAA, 
Rotorcraft Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests 
through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or 
comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The inspection and repair or modification, if necessary, 
shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in 
Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.36, Rev. 1, dated 
December 16, 1996, and paragraphs BB and BB 2A of Eurocopter France 
Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 1995. This

[[Page 30380]]

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 American Eurocopter Corporation, 
2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 
641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 9, 1998.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 95-068-017(B) and AD 95-
067-038(B), both dated April 12, 1995.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28, 1998.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-14929 Filed 6-3-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U