[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 195 (Friday, October 8, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54769-54770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-25917]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-SW-26-AD; Amendment 39-11359; AD 99-21-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA-360C, SA-
365C, C1, C2, SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, and SA-366G1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to Eurocopter France Model SA-360C, SA-365C, C1, C2, SA-
365N, N1, AS-365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters, that requires inspecting 
and, if necessary, replacing certain circuit breakers. This amendment 
is prompted by the manufacturer discovering the loss of electrical 
continuity between the terminals of a circuit breaker. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of electrical power, 
loss of instrumentation, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: Effective November 12, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 12, 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: Carroll Wright, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5120, 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 France Model SA-360C, 
SA-365C, C1, C2, SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters was 
published in the Federal Register on June 29, 1999 (64 FR 34746). That 
action proposed to require inspecting and, if necessary, replacing 
certain circuit breakers.
    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 136 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.5 work hour per 
helicopter to accomplish the inspection and replacement, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $23 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total 
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,208.
    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.

[[Page 54770]]

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 99-21-14  Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-11359. Docket No. 98-
SW-26-AD.

    Applicability: Model SA-360C, SA-365C, C1, C2, SA-365N, N1, AS-
365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters, with Crouzet single-pole circuit 
breaker, part number (P/N) 84 400 028 through P/N 84 400 037, 
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 
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 (e) 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 loss of electrical power, loss of instrumentation, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within the next 3 
calendar months, whichever occurs first,
    (1) For Model SA-360C, and SA-365C, C1, and C2 helicopters, 
inspect the electrical master box assembly, flotation gear unit 
assembly, and ground receptacle Crouzet circuit breakers for 
electrical continuity in accordance with section 2B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions contained in Eurocopter France Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. 01.36, dated December 11, 1997.
    (2) For Model SA-365N, N1, and AS-365N2 helicopters, inspect the 
electrical master box assembly, flotation gear unit assembly, and 
ground receptacle Crouzet single-pole circuit breakers for 
electrical continuity in accordance with section 2B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions contained in SB No. 01.00.45, dated 
December 11, 1997.
    (3) For Model SA-366G1 helicopters, inspect the electrical 
master box assembly, flotation gear unit assembly, and ground 
receptacle Crouzet single-pole circuit breakers for electrical 
continuity in accordance with section 2B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions contained in SB 01.24, dated December 11, 1997.
    (b) On or before 500 hours TIS or 6 calendar months, whichever 
occurs first, inspect all remaining Crouzet single-pole circuit 
breakers in accordance with section 2B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable SB.
    (c) Any replacement single-pole circuit breaker installed, or 
any single-pole circuit breaker removed and reinstalled, must be 
inspected prior to further flight in accordance with paragraph 2.B. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable SB.
    (d) Remove any affected part-numbered circuit breaker and 
replace with an airworthy circuit breaker on or before December 31, 
1999.
    (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, 
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 
obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

    (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 shall be done in accordance with section 2B 
of the Accomplishment Instructions contained in Eurocopter France 
Service Bulletin No. 01.36, or No. 01.00.45, both dated December 11, 
1997, as applicable. The circuit breaker replacement shall be done 
in accordance with section 2B of the Accomplishment Instructions 
contained in the applicable service bulletin. 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 November 12, 1999.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile AD 98-112-042(A), AD 98-113-043(A), 
and AD 98-111-021(A), all dated March 11, 1998.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 29, 1999.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-25917 Filed 10-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P