[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 198 (Tuesday, October 14, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59109-59112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-25593]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-SW-17-AD; Amendment 39-13330; AD 2003-20-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350B3, SA-
365N, N1, AS-365N2, AS 365N3, and EC 155B Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters that 
requires modifying the SIREN cargo hook and inspecting the cargo hook 
locking catch (locking catch) for corrosion. This amendment is prompted 
by the discovery of internal corrosion on a Siren locking catch that 
may weaken the locking catch. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to detect internal corrosion of the locking catch, which can 
cause the locking catch to return to an incomplete locking position, 
undetectable by the operator, and result in an unexpected cargo load 
release.

DATES: Effective November 18, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 18, 2003.

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, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5120, fax (817) 222-
5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for Eurocopter Model AS 350B3, SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, AS 
365N3, and EC 155B helicopters was published in the Federal Register on 
April 22, 2003 (68 FR 19757). That action proposed to require modifying 
the SIREN cargo hook and inspecting the cargo hook locking catch for 
corrosion.
    The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on Eurocopter Model AS 350 B3, AS-365N, N1, AS 
365N2, AS 365N3, and EC 155 B helicopters fitted with Siren cargo 
hooks, part number (P/N) AS-21-5-7. The DGAC advises that corrosion was 
discovered on a locking catch, which might lead to untimely load 
release.
    Eurocopter has issued Alert Telexes No. 05.00.39, for Model AS 
350B3 helicopters; No. 05.00.41, for Model AS 365N, N1, AS 365N2, and 
AS 365N3 helicopters; and No. 05A002, for Model EC 155B helicopters; 
all dated December

[[Page 59110]]

20, 2001, which specify an initial corrosion check, and verification of 
Amendment B to prevent any risk of untimely load release due to locking 
catch corrosion combined with in-flight vibrations. Amendment B 
requires marking a permanent reference line across the rotating bolt 
and stationary cover plate for the cargo hook, affixing a placard to 
the cover plate, and marking the letter ``B'' on the amendment 
identification plate of the release unit and on the equipment log card. 
The DGAC classified these alert telexes as mandatory and issued AD No. 
2002-044(A), dated January 23, 2002, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these helicopters in France.
    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, except changing the FAA office name 
and revising the cites in proposed paragraph (b) to clarify that an 
owner/operator (pilot) may perform all the actions required by 
paragraph (a). The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The action in paragraph (a) of this AD, for cargo hook, P/N AS-21-
5-7, with Amendment B incorporated, may be performed by an owner/
operator (pilot), and must be entered into the helicopter records 
showing compliance with that paragraph in accordance with 14 CFR 
sections 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v). This AD allows a pilot to perform 
these actions because they involve only manipulating the manual cargo 
release and checking the reference line for continuity, and can be 
performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. For cargo hook, P/N 
AS-21-5-7, without Amendment B incorporated, a mechanic must 
incorporate Amendment B in accordance with the applicable alert telex.
    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. The 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. However, 
for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we have retained the 
language of the NPRM regarding that material.
    The FAA estimates that of the 60 helicopters of U.S. registry, 6 
helicopters have the Siren cargo hook installed and will be affected by 
this AD. The FAA also estimates that it will take approximately 3 work 
hours per helicopter to incorporate Amendment B and .25 work hour to 
conduct and record the pilot check with 60 pilot checks performed per 
year, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts to incorporate Amendment B will cost $4 for each label. Based on 
these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $6,504.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2003-20-12 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-13330. Docket No. 2002-
SW-17-AD.

    Applicability: Model AS 350B3, SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, AS 365N3, 
and EC 155B helicopters, with an optional Siren load release unit 
cargo hook, part number (P/N) AS-21-5-7, 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 (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 detect internal corrosion of the Siren cargo hook locking 
catch (locking catch), which can cause the locking catch to return 
to an incomplete locking position, undetectable by the operator, and 
result in an unexpected cargo load release, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) For cargo hook, P/N AS-21-5-7, with Amendment B 
incorporated, before the first use of the cargo hook on each day 
that the cargo hook is used, check for corrosion on the locking 
catch as follows. Amendment B has been incorporated if the letter 
``B'' is marked on the amendment identification plate of the release 
unit of the cargo hook and placard ``G'' is installed on the release 
unit cover plate ``D'' and reference line ``B'' is marked over the 
nut and cover plate as depicted in Figure 1 of this AD. The 
identification plate ``A'' is located on cover plate ``D'', on the 
opposite side of the electrical connector. See Figure 1:

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR14OC03.031

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    (1) With the cargo hook installed, cycle the red manual release 
control lever several times over its travel range.
    (2) Return the red manual release control lever to the initial 
position.
    (3) Determine whether the section of reference line (B) marked 
on the bolt (A) and the section of reference line (B) marked on the 
cover plate (D) form a straight line.
    (i) If the reference line is straight, the cargo hook is 
considered airworthy.
    (ii) If the reference line is not straight, the cargo hook is 
unairworthy and may not be used.
    (b) The requirements of paragraph (a) may be performed by an 
owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate, 
and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance 
with that paragraph of this AD in accordance with 14 CFR sections 
43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
    (c) For cargo hook, P/N AS-21-5-7, without Amendment B, before 
the next sling load flight, incorporate Amendment B to the cargo 
hook in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 
2.A.2.a) and 2.A.2.b), of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 05.00.39, for 
Model AS 350B3 helicopters; No. 05.00.41, for Model SA-365N, N1, AS-
365N2, and AS 365N3 helicopters; and No. 05A002, for Model EC 155B 
helicopters; all dated December 20, 2001, as applicable.
    (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, Safety Management Group, 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, Safety Management Group.

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

    (e) Special flight permits will not be issued allowing use of 
the cargo hook until the requirements of this AD are accomplished.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter 
Alert Telex No. 05.00.39, for Model AS 350B3 helicopters; No. 
05.00.41, for Model SA-365N, N1, (AS-365N, N1) AS-365N2, and AS 
365N3 helicopters; and No. 05A002, for Model EC 155B helicopters; 
all dated December 20, 2001. 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 18, 2003.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 2002-044(A), dated January 
23, 2002.



[[Page 59112]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 29, 2003.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-25593 Filed 10-10-03; 8:45 am]
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