[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 31, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20661]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 31, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-SW-05-AD; Amendment 39-8994; AD 94-16-04]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Schweizer Aircraft Corporation and 
Hughes Helicopters, Inc. Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH55A 
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 Schweizer Aircraft Corporation and Hughes Helicopters, 
Inc. Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH55A series helicopters, that 
requires a one-time visual inspection to detect missing or damaged tail 
rotor pedal bulkhead gussets (gussets), loose or missing gusset rivets, 
and initial installation of missing gussets or replacement of damaged 
gussets and rivets, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports 
of missing or damaged tail rotor pedal bulkhead gussets and loose or 
missing gusset rivets. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent failure of the tail rotor pedal support structure that could 
result in loss of tail rotor control and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

DATES: Effective October 5, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 5, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 147, Elmira, New 
York 14902. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 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. Jeff Casale, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Airframe Branch, ANE-172, 
New England Region, 181 S. Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 
11581, telephone (516) 791-6220, fax (516) 791-9024.

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 Schweizer Aircraft Corporation and 
Hughes Helicopters, Inc. Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH55A 
series helicopters was published in the Federal Register on May 3, 1993 
(58 FR 26264). That action proposed to require, within the next 100 
hours' time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, a one-time 
visual inspection to detect missing or cracked gussets, elongated rivet 
holes, and loose or missing rivets. Also proposed, before further 
flight, was the initial installation of any missing gussets or 
replacement of cracked gussets, gussets with elongated rivet holes, or 
gussets that contain loose or missing rivets.
    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 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 934 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$80 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $177,460.
    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. 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 a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

AD 94-16-04 Schweizer Aircraft Corporation and Hughes Helicopters, 
Inc.: Amendment 39-8994. Docket Number 93-SW-05-AD.

    Applicability: Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH55A series 
helicopters, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously. To prevent failure of the tail rotor pedal support 
structure that could result in loss of tail rotor control and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 100 hours' time-in-service after the effective date 
of this AD, conduct a visual inspection of the tail rotor pedal 
bulkhead gussets (gussets) to detect missing or cracked gussets, 
elongated rivet holes, and loose or missing rivets, in accordance 
with Part I of Schweizer Service Bulletin B-247 (SB), dated October 
30, 1992.
    (1) If the gussets are missing, before further flight, install 
gussets in accordance with Part II of the SB, dated October 30, 
1992.
    (2) If the gussets are cracked or contain elongated rivet holes, 
before further flight, install replacement gussets in accordance 
with Part III of the SB, dated October 30, 1992.
    (3) If the gussets contain loose or missing rivets, before 
further flight, install new (zero time) rivets in accordance with 
Part III of the SB, dated October 30, 1992.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used when approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then 
send it to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification Office.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The inspection and replacement, if necessary, shall be done 
in accordance with Schweizer Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin 
B-247, dated October 30, 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 
Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 147, Elmira, New York 
14902. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant 
Chief Counsel, 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 5, 1994.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 28, 1994.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 94-20661 Filed 8-30-94; 8:45 am]
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