[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 236 (Tuesday, December 9, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64785-64787]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-32117]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-SW-21-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA 365N, N1 and 
AS 365N2 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) 
Model SA-365N, N1 and AS-365N2 helicopters. This proposal would require 
inspections of the main gearbox suspension diagonal cross-member 
(diagonal cross-member) for cracks, and removal of the diagonal cross-
member and replacement with an airworthy diagonal cross-member if any 
crack is found. This proposal is prompted by several reports of the 
discovery of cracks in diagonal cross-members. The actions specified by 
the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the diagonal cross-
member which could cause the main gearbox to pivot, resulting in severe 
vibrations and a subsequent forced landing.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 9, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,

[[Page 64786]]

Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-SW-21-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Comments may be inspected at this location 
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made. ``Comments 
to Docket No. 97-SW-21-AD. The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-SW-21-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, recently notified the FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on Model SA-365N, N1 and AS-365N2 
helicopters. The DGAC advises that a crack has been discovered in a 
diagonal cross-member of an affected helicopter.
    Eurocopter has issued Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 05.00.37, 
dated February 20, 1997, which specifies checks (inspections) of the 
diagonal cross-member, part number (P/N) 365A38-3023-20, -21, -22, -23, 
or -24, for cracks using a flexible borescope with a 90 deg. angle, or 
a video assembly with optical fiber illumination, or any other 
appropriate device that makes it possible to visually inspect the 
center area of the component; and replacement of the diagonal cross-
member before further flight if a crack is detected. Modifying the 
affected model helicopters in accordance with MOD 0763B80 by installing 
a diagonal cross-member, P/N 356A38-3062-20, constitutes a terminating 
action for the requirements of this AD. The DGAC classified this 
service telex as mandatory and issued AD 97-093-041(AB)R1, dated July 
30, 1997, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
helicopters in France.
    This helicopter model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Model SA-365N N1 and AS-365N2 helicopters of 
the same type design registered in the United States, the proposed AD 
would require inspections of the diagonal cross-member for cracks, and 
replacement with an airworthy diagonal cross-member if any crack is 
found.
    The FAA estimates that 47 helicopters of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately one work 
hour per helicopter to inspect the diagonal cross-member and 10 work 
hours per helicopter to replace the diagonal cross-member, if 
necessary, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Required parts would cost approximately $9,950. Based on these figures, 
the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $498,670, assuming one inspection per helicopter, and replacement 
of a diagonal cross-member on each helicopter.
    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, Federal 26, 1979); and 
(3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Eurocopter France: Docket No. 97-SW-21-AD.

    Applicability: Model SA-365N, N1 and AS-365N2 helicopter with 
diagonal crossmembers, part number (P/N) 365A38-3023-20, -21, -23, 
or -24, 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 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area

[[Page 64787]]

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 (d) 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 prevent failure of the main gearbox suspension diagonal 
cross-member (diagonal cross-member), which could cause the main 
gearbox to pivot, resulting in severe vibrations and a subsequent 
forced landing, accomplish the following:
    (a) For Model SA-365N and N1 helicopters, prior to the 
accumulation of 50,000 operating cycles; and for Model AS-365N2 
helicopters, prior to the accumulation of 30,000 operating cycles:

    Note 2: The Master Service Recommendations and the flight log 
contain accepted procedures that are used to determine the 
cumulative operating cycles on the rotorcraft.

    (1) Inspect the diagonal cross-member for cracks in the area of 
the center bore hole, using a borescope with a 90 deg. angle drive, 
or a video assembly with optical fiber illumination, or any other 
appropriate device that makes it possible to visually inspect the 
center area of the part.
    (2) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a)(1) of this 
AD at intervals not to exceed 500 operating cycles, or 100 hours 
time-in-service, whichever occurs first.
    (b) If any crack is found as a result of the inspections 
required by paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, remove the 
diagonal cross-member and replace it with an airworthy diagonal 
cross-member.
    (c) Installation of modification MOD 073880 that installs a 
diagonal cross-member, P/N 356A38-3062-20, constitutes a terminating 
action for the requirements of this AD.
    (d) 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, 
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, 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.

    (e) 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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD97-093-041(AB)R1, dated 
July 30, 1997.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 2, 1997.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 97-32117 Filed 12-8-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M