[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 116 (Thursday, June 17, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32399-32401]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15362]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-SW-17-AD; Amendment 39-11195; AD 99-13-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1,
and L2 Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing priority letter
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS
332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters, that currently requires conducting a
filter clogging warning test, and, if necessary, replacing a jammed
valve with an airworthy valve. This amendment requires the same
corrective actions required by the existing AD; however, the
applicability is reduced to encompass only certain part-numbered fuel
filters. This amendment is prompted by jammed fuel filter by-pass
valves and new
[[Page 32400]]
information that justifies a reduction in the applicability of the
superseded priority letter AD. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent engine power loss due to fuel starvation, which
could cause one or both engines to flameout and a subsequent forced
landing.
DATES: Effective July 2, 1999. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of July 2, 1999.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before August 16, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-SW-17-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
American Eurocopter Corporation, Technical Support, 2701 Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone 800-232-0323, 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 76137; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shep Blackman, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817)
222-5296, fax (817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 20, 1998, the FAA issued Priority
Letter AD 98-18-09, applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L,
L1, and L2 helicopters, to require, within 25 hours time-in-service
(TIS) and any subsequent time the fuel filter clogged caution lights
illuminate, conducting a filter clogging warning test, and, if
necessary, replacing a jammed valve with an airworthy valve. That
action was prompted by reports of jammed fuel filter by-pass valves
discovered during routine maintenance. That condition, if not
corrected, could result in engine power loss due to fuel starvation,
which could cause one or both engines to flameout and a subsequent
forced landing.
Since the issuance of that AD, the Direction Generale De L'Aviation
Civile (DGAC) has issued revised AD's which specify that the AD's are
only applicable to helicopters with the following part-numbered fuel
filters installed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eurocopter France
Vendor part No. part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-4020P25.......................................... (704A44620031)
-4020P25-1........................................ (704A44620034)
-4020P25-2........................................ (704A44620035)
-4020P25-3........................................ (704A44620036)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The DGAC, which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified
the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on Eurocopter France Model
AS 332C, C1, L, L1, and L2 helicopters. The DGAC advises that jammed
valves could result in power loss due to fuel starvation, which could
cause one or both engines to flameout. The DGAC issued AD 98-318-
071(A)R1 and AD 98-319-012(A)R1, both dated November 4, 1998,
applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, C1, L, L1, and L2
helicopters. (The Model AS 332C1 does not have a United States type
certificate.)
The FAA has reviewed Eurocopter France Service Telex 00067, dated
July 24, 1998 (Service Bulletin No. 01.00.56), which describes
procedures for verifying that the valve is correctly closed in each
engine fuel filter, conducting a filter clogging warning test on
helicopters with certain part-numbered fuel filters installed and, if
necessary, replacing a jammed valve with an airworthy valve.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and
L2 helicopters of the same type design, this AD supersedes Priority
Letter AD 98-18-09 to require conducting a filter clogging warning
test, and, if necessary, replacing a jammed valve with an airworthy
valve. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with
the service bulletin described previously.
None of the Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters affected by
this action are on the U.S. Register. All helicopters included in the
applicability of this rule are operated by non-U.S. operators under
foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD
action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to
ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of
these subject helicopters are imported and placed on the U.S. Register
in the future.
Should an affected helicopter be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 3 work hours to
accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would
be $180 per helicopter, assuming no valve would need to be replaced.
Since this AD action does not affect any helicopter that is
currently on the U.S. Register, it has no adverse economic impact and
imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and
public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 99-SW-17-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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
[[Page 32401]]
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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
(AD), Amendment 39-11195, to read as follows:
AD 99-13-02 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-11195. Docket No. 99-
SW-17-AD. Supersedes Priority Letter AD 98-18-09, Docket No. 98-SW-
38-AD.
Applicability: Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2
helicopters, with any of the following part-numbered fuel filters
installed, certificated in any category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eurocopter France
Vendor part No. part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-4020P25.......................................... (704A44620031)
-4020P25-1........................................ (704A44620034)
-4020P25-2........................................ (704A44620035)
-4020P25-3........................................ (704A44620036)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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 request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent power loss due to fuel starvation, which could cause
one or both engines to flameout and a subsequent forced landing,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) and after any
subsequent flight during which either or both fuel filter clogged
caution lights illuminate:
(1) Verify that the fuel filter by-pass valve (valve) is
correctly closed in each engine fuel filter in accordance with
paragraph CC.1), Eurocopter France Service Telex 00067 (Service
Bulletin No. 01.00.56), dated July 24, 1998 (SB).
(2) If a valve is jammed (open or closed), clean the valve in
accordance with paragraph CC.2)B) of the SB or replace the valve
with an airworthy valve. Repeat the requirements of paragraph (a)(1)
of this AD.
(3) Conduct a ``filter'' clogging warning test (test) in
accordance with paragraphs CC.2), CC.2)A) and CC.2)B) of the SB.
(4) If a jammed valve (open or closed) is detected during the
test, clean the valve in accordance with paragraph CC.2)B) of the SB
or replace the valve with an airworthy valve. Repeat the
requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of this AD.
(5) When the test result is satisfactory, repeat the
requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.
(b) Within 25 hours TIS, insert a copy of this AD into the
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) or make the following pen and ink
addition to the RFM Emergency Procedure for fuel filter clogged
caution light illumination: ``If both fuel filter clogged caution
lights illuminate, land as soon as practicable.''
(c) If both filter clogged caution lights illuminate, after
landing, either:
(1) Accomplish the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD
before further flight, or,
(2) Replace both filter cartridges with airworthy filter
cartridges and fly to a location where the requirements of paragraph
(a) of this AD must be accomplished before further flight.
(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, FAA.
Operators shall submit their requests through a 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
obtained from the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.
(e) Special flight permits will not be issued.
(f) The inspection shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter
France Service Telex 00067, dated July 24, 1998, (Service Bulletin
No. 01.00.56). 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, Technical Support, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie,
Texas 75053-4005, telephone 800-232-0323, 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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on July 2, 1999.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 98-318-071(A)R1 and AD 98-
319-012(A)R1, both dated November 4, 1998.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 8, 1999.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-15362 Filed 6-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P