[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]


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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.

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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]
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