[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 28, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16352-16354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-7553]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-SW-35-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and 
L1 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) applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and L1 
helicopters. This proposal would require inspecting the horizontal 
stabilizer spar tube (spar tube) for corrosion, hardness, cracks, and 
scratches, and if necessary, replacing any unairworthy spar tube and 
bushing with an airworthy spar tube and bushing. This proposal is 
prompted by the loss of a horizontal stabilizer in flight due to a spar 
tube failure. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent failure of the spar tube, separation of the horizontal 
stabilizer and impact with the main or tail rotor, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 30, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-SW-35-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9 
a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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, Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Grigg, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5116, fax (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. 99-SW-35-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. 99-SW-35-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and L1 
helicopters. The DGAC advises that a horizontal stabilizer was lost in 
flight due to spar tube fatigue failure.
    Eurocopter France has issued Eurocopter Service Bulletin 
01.00.57R1, dated November 24, 1999 (SB), which specifies inspecting 
any spar tube, part number (P/N) 330A13-2024-01, -02, -03, -04, 
installed on metal horizontal stabilizers, P/N's 332A13-1000-00, -01, -
02, -03 and 332A13-1040-00, -01, for corrosion, hardness, cracks, or 
scratches, and, if necessary, replacing the spar tubes and bushing. 
This SB was issued as a result of the loss of a horizontal stabilizer 
in flight due to spar tube failure. The failure of the spar tube was 
due to an improperly installed bushing that led to corrosion and 
fatigue

[[Page 16353]]

cracking. The failed spar tube also showed evidence of localized 
scoring and decarburization. The DGAC classified this SB as mandatory 
and issued AD 1999-039-073(A)R1, dated December 29, 1999, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France.
    These helicopter models are manufactured in France and are 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 these type designs 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 Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and L1 
helicopters of the same type design registered in the United States, 
the proposed AD would require inspecting any spar tube, P/N 330A13-
2024-01, -02, -03, -04, installed on horizontal stabilizers, P/N's 
332A13-1000-00, -01, -02, -03, and 332A13-1040-00, -01, for corrosion, 
hardness, cracks, or scratches. The AD would also require replacing the 
spar tube and bushing, as necessary, with an airworthy spar tube and 
bushing. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance 
with the SB described previously.
    The FAA estimates that 3 helicopters of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 40 work 
hours per helicopter to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $1,000 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$10,200.
    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, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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, February 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. 99-SW-35-AD.

    Applicability: Model AS322C, L, and L1 helicopters with 
horizontal stabilizer spar tube (spar tube), part number (P/N) 
330A13-2024-01, -02, -03, -04, installed on horizontal stabilizer, 
P/N 332A13-1000-00, -01, -02, -03 or 332A13-1040-00, -01, 
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 (c) 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 failure of the spar tube, separation of the 
horizontal stabilizer and impact with the main or tail rotor, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) For helicopters on which the horizontal spar tube (spar 
tube) composite bushing (bushing), P/N 330A13-2024-31, has been 
replaced and since replacement has accumulated:
    (1) Less than 1400 hours time-in-service (TIS) or less than 30 
calendar months:
    (i) Prior to accumulating 1600 hours TIS or 32 calendar months, 
whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
(NTE) 3000 hours TIS or 72 calendar months, whichever occurs first, 
inspect the spar tube in accordance with (IAW) the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of Eurocopter France 
Service Bulletin No. 01.00.57, Revision 1, dated November 24, 1999 
(SB).
    (A) If the spar tube passes the hardness inspection of paragraph 
2.B.1.1 of the SB and the scratch, corrosion, or crack inspection of 
paragraph 2.B.2. of the SB, replace the bushing with a new bushing, 
before further flight.
    (B) If the spar tube fails either the hardness inspection of 
paragraph 2.B.1.1 of the SB or the scratch, corrosion, or crack 
inspection of paragraph 2.B.2. of the SB, replace the spar tube with 
an airworthy spar tube before further flight.
    (ii) Before installing any replacement spar tube that has 
previously been installed on any helicopter, inspect it IAW the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the 
SB.
    (2) 1400 or more hours TIS or 30 or more calendar months:
    (i) Within 200 hours TIS or 2 calendar months, whichever occurs 
first, and thereafter at intervals NTE 3000 hours TIS or 72 calendar 
months, whichever occurs first, inspect the spar tube IAW the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the 
SB.
    (A) If the spar tube passes the hardness inspection of paragraph 
2.B.1.1 of the SB and the scratch, corrosion, or crack inspection of 
paragraph 2.B.2 of the SB, replace the bushing with a new bushing 
before further flight.
    (B) If the spar tube fails either the hardness inspection of 
paragraph 2.B.1.1 of the SB or the scratch, corrosion, or crack 
inspection of paragraph 2.B.2 of the SB, replace the spar tube with 
an airworthy spar tube before further flight.
    (ii) Before installing any replacement spar tube that has 
previously been installed on any helicopter, inspect it IAW the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the 
SB.
    (b) For all spar tubes:
    (1) With less than 7500 hours TIS or 144 calendar months since 
original installation:
    (i) Prior to accumulating 7500 hours TIS or 144 calendar months, 
remove the spar tube and inspect IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (ii) After accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) 
of this AD, install an airworthy spar tube before further flight. 
Before installing any replacement spar tube that has been previously 
installed in any helicopter, inspect it IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (2) With 7500 or more hours TIS or 144 or more calendar months 
since original installation:

[[Page 16354]]

    (i) Within 500 hours TIS or 12 calendar months, whichever occurs 
first, remove the spar tube and inspect IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (ii) After accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) 
of this AD, install an airworthy spar tube before further flight. 
Before installing any replacement spar tube that has been previously 
installed in any helicopter, inspect it IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (3) After accomplishing the requirements of either paragraph 
(b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, thereafter, at intervals 
NTE 7500 hours TIS or 144 calendar months, whichever occurs first, 
remove the spar tube and inspect IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (c) 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, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through a 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and 
then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Regulations Group.

    (d) 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 1999-039-073(A)R1, dated 
December 29, 1999.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 21, 2000.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-7553 Filed 3-27-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U