[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 220 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62106-62108]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29611]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-SW-78-AD; Amendment 39-11413; AD 99-23-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, and
L1 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 Model AS 332C, L, and L1 helicopters,
that requires a one-time inspection of the length of the main gearbox
epicyclic module upper casing bearing attachment bolts (attachment
bolts), and if they exceed a certain length, replacing the epicyclic
module to preclude a potential interference between the attachment
bolts and the 2nd stage planet gear cage web. This amendment is
prompted by a report of interference between the attachment bolts and
the second stage planet gear cage web of the epicyclic module in the
main gearbox. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
failure of the second stage planet gear of the main gearbox, loss of
main rotor drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective December 21, 1999.
[[Page 62107]]
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 21, 1999.
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, 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: Shep Blackman, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5296, 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 Model AS 332C,
L, and L1 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on August
23, 1999 (64 FR 45929). That action proposed to require a one-time
inspection of the length of the attachment bolts, and if any exceed
53mm in length, replacing the epicyclic module.
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 except for two nonsubstantive changes
that have been made to paragraph (c) and Note 2 of the AD. In paragraph
(c), the NPRM incorrectly states that alternative methods of compliance
(AMOC) or adjustments of the compliance time may be approved by the
``Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate.'' This
is incorrect and has been changed to state that the Manager,
Regulations Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, is responsible for approving
any AMOC or adjustment of the compliance time. Note 2 of the NPRM
states that information concerning the existence of approved AMOC may
be obtained from the ``Rotorcraft Standards Staff;'' this is also
incorrect and has been changed to state that information may be
obtained from the ``Regulations Group.'' 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 1 helicopter of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 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
$365,235 to replace the epicyclic module, if necessary. The cost of the
attachment bolts is $11. Based on these figures, the total cost impact
of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $491, assuming the bolts
are the correct length and the epicyclic module does not have to be
replaced.
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 99-23-17 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-11413. Docket No. 98-SW-
78-AD.
Applicability: Model AS 332C, L, and L1 helicopters, with
epicyclic modules, part number 332A32-2007-00 or -01, with serial
numbers with the prefix of ``M'', from 100 through 689 or 3000
through 3048, installed, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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 request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated in paragraph DD of Eurocopter
Service Bulletin No. 01.41, dated November 1995 (95-11) (SB), unless
accomplished previously.
To prevent failure of the second stage planet gear of the main
gearbox, loss of main rotor drive and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Inspect each main gearbox epicyclic module upper casing
bearing attachment bolt (attachment bolt) in accordance with
paragraph CC of the SB.
(b) If any attachment bolt length is greater than 53mm (2.086
inches), remove the epicyclic module and replace the epicyclic
module with an airworthy epicyclic module before further flight.
(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, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft
Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and
then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Regulations Group.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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 compliance and inspection shall be done in accordance
with paragraphs CC and DD of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 01.41,
dated November 1995 (95-11). 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
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701
[[Page 62108]]
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 December 21, 1999.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 93-131-051(B)R1, dated
January 18, 1998.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 2, 1999.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-29611 Filed 11-15-99; 8:45 am]
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