[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 18 (Thursday, January 28, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4288-4290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-1236]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-SW-41-AD; Amendment 39-11005; AD 99-02-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives, Eurocopter France Model AS332C, 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 (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, L, and L1 
helicopters, that requires the replacement of certain main rotor hub 
spindles (spindles) and flapping hinge pins (pins). This amendment is 
prompted by testing of aged frequency adapters, which shows that 
premature failure of the spindles and pins can occur due to increased 
loading from increased stiffness of the aged frequency

[[Page 4289]]

adapters. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the 
loss of a main rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: Effective March 4, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 4, 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, 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: Mike Mathias, Aerospace, Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 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 Eurocopter Model AS332C, L, and L1 
helicopters was published in the Federal Register on October 27, 1998 
(63 FR 57257). That action proposed to require replacing certain 
spindles and pins.
    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.
    The FAA estimates that 4 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 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 
$21,600 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact 
of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $87,360.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial director 
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 99-02-13  Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-11005. Docket No. 97-
SW-41-AD.

    Applicability: Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, L, 
and L1 helicopters with main rotor hub spindles (spindles), part 
number (P/N) 332A31-1390-00 through -07 or 332A31-1398-00 or 
flapping hinge pin (pin), P/N 332A31-1380-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 (g) 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, alternation, or repair 
remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the spindles or pins that could result in 
loss of a main rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) For the spindles and pins that have never been overhauled, 
remove the spindles and pins and replace them with airworthy 
spindles and pins in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.1)a) through 
2.B.1)d) and 2.B.2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter 
France Service Bulletin No. 01.00.44, dated March 26, 1996 (SB), as 
follows:
    (i) Within 6 calendar months of spindles and pins that have been 
in service for 12 or more calendar years.
    (ii) Within 18 calendar months for spindles and pins that have 
been in service for 8 or more calendar years but less than 12 
calendar years.
    (b) For the spindles and pins that have been overhauled at least 
once, remove the spindles and pins and replace them with airworthy 
spindles and pins in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.1)a) through 
2.B.1)d) and 2.B.2) of the SB as follows:
    (i) Within 3 calendar months for spindles and pins that have 
been in service for 6 or more calendar years since last overhaul.
    (ii) Within 15 calendar months for spindles and pins that have 
been in service for 4 or more calendar years but less than 6 
calendar years since last overhaul.
    (c) Remove spindle, Serial Number (S/N) FR 25012, and pins, S/
N's M 243, FR 139, FR 230, M 127, or M 112, and replace them with 
airworthy spindles and pins in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.1)a) 
through 2.B.1)d) and 2.B.2) of the SB within 6 calendar months.
    (d) Remove spindle, S/N FR 25866, and replace it with an 
airworthy spindle in accordance with paragraphs 2.B.1)a) through 
2.B.1)d) and 2.B.2) of the SB within 18 calendar months.
    (e) This AD revises the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the 
Maintenance Manual by establishing a new retirement life of 8 
calendar years for the spindles, P/N 332A31-1390-00 through -07 and 
332A31-1398-00, and pins, P/N 332A31-1380-all dash numbers, except 
as otherwise specifically limited by this AD.
    (f) Installation of a main rotor hub with modification 332A07-
43100 constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this 
AD.
    (g) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

[[Page 4290]]

obtained from the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

    (h) 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.
    (i) The modification shall be done in accordance with paragraphs 
2.B.1)a) through 2.B.1)d) and 2.B.2) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 01.00.44, 
dated March 26, 1996. 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 Capital Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.
    (j) This amendment becomes effective on March 4, 1999.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 96-100-058-(B), dated May 
22, 1996.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 12, 1999.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-1236 Filed 1-27-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M