[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 124 (Monday, June 29, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35128-35129]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17178]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-SW-25-AD; Amendment 39-10635; AD 98-14-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS-350B, BA,
B1, B2, and D, and Model AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, and D, and Model AS-355E, F,
F1, F2, and N helicopters, that requires inspections of the main
gearbox suspension bi-directional cross-beam (cross-beam) for cracks,
and replacement of the cross-beam if a crack is found. This amendment
is prompted by several reports of cracks in the cross-beam. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to provide a terminating action to
prevent failure of the cross-beam that could cause the main gearbox to
pivot, resulting in severe vibrations and a subsequent forced landing.
DATES: Effective August 3, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 3, 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 Model AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N
helicopters was published in the Federal Register on March 3, 1998 (63
FR 10349). That action proposed to require visual and dye-penetrant
inspections of the cross-beam for cracks, and replacement with an
airworthy cross-beam if a crack is found.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comment received.
The commenter states that the applicability of the AD should
exclude helicopters that have been modified in accordance with
Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 63.00.07, applicable to Model AS-350B,
BA, B1, B2, and D helicopters, and Eurocopter Service Bulletin No.
63.00.13, applicable to Model AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters,
both dated April 7, 1997. The FAA agrees that helicopters having the
modifications need not be inspected as prescribed in this AD, and that
is why the applicability is limited to those model helicopters that
have cross-beam, P/N 350A38-1018-all dash numbers, installed. However,
a paragraph has been added stating that installation of cross-beams
that have the modifications constitutes terminating action for the
requirements of this AD.
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 as proposed with the change
described previously. The FAA has determined that this change will
neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the
scope of the AD.
The FAA estimates that 454 helicopters of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.5 work hour per
helicopter to accomplish each visual inspection with an estimated
average of 150 visual inspections per helicopter, 3 work hours per
helicopter to accomplish the dye-penetrant inspection, and 6 work hours
per helicopter to replace the cross-beam, if necessary, and that the
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Parts costs will be
approximately $6,000 per cross-beam. Based on these figures, the total
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$5,012,160 to perform an average of 150 visual inspections and one dye-
penetrant inspection per helicopter, and to replace the cross-beam on
all 454 helicopters.
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,
[[Page 35129]]
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 98-14-01 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-10635. Docket No. 97-
SW-25-AD.
Applicability: Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, and D, and Model AS-
355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with main gearbox suspension bi-
directional cross-beam (cross-beam), part number (P/N) 350A38-1018-
all dash numbers, 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 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 (e) 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 cross-beam that could lead to rotation
of the main gearbox, resulting in severe vibrations and a subsequent
forced landing, accomplish the following:
(a) For cross-beams having 2,000 or more hours time-in-service
(TIS) or 10,000 or more 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) Within 30 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 30 hours TIS or 150 operating cycles, visually inspect the
cross-beam for cracks in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1) of
Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.28, applicable to Model
AS-350 helicopters, or Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No.
05.00.29, applicable to Model AS-355 helicopters, both dated May 26,
1997.
(2) If a crack is found as a result of the inspections required
by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, remove the cross-beam and replace it
with an airworthy cross-beam.
(b) For cross-beams having 5,000 or more hours TIS:
(1) Within 550 hours TIS or 2,750 operating cycles, whichever
occurs first, after compliance with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD,
perform a dye-penetrant inspection in accordance with paragraph
2.B.2) of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.28,
applicable to Model AS-350 helicopters, or Eurocopter Service
Bulletin No. 05.00.29, applicable to Model AS-355 helicopters, both
dated May 26, 1996.
(2) If a crack is found as a result of the inspections required
by paragraphs (b)(1) of this AD, remove the cross-beam and replace
it with an airworthy cross-beam.
(c) Prior to installing any replacement cross-beams, regardless
of TIS, inspect the replacement cross-beam in accordance with
paragraph (b)(1) of this AD.
(d) Accomplishment of the modifications in accordance with
paragraph 2.B of the Accomplishment Instructions in Eurocopter
Service Bulletin No. 63.00.07, applicable to Model AS-350B, BA, B1,
B2, and D helicopters, or Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 63.00.13,
applicable to Model AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, both
dated April 7, 1997, constitutes terminating action for the
requirements of this AD.
(e) 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 Certification
Office.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office.
(f) 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.
(g) The inspections and replacements, if necessary, shall be
done in accordance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No.
05.00.28, applicable to Model AS-350 helicopters, and Eurocopter
France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.29, applicable to Model AS-355
helicopters, both dated May 26, 1997. 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 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.
(h) This amendment becomes effective on August 3, 1998.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 96-156-071(B)R1 and AD 96-
155-053(B)R1, both dated June 4, 1997.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 19, 1998.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-17178 Filed 6-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P