[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 12, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53550-53553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-7560]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25773; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-16-AD; 
Amendment 39-14758; AD 2006-19-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, 
BA, D, and AS355E Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:  Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
the specified Eurocopter helicopters. This action requires, within 10 
hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting the tapered housing of each 
main servo-control (MSC) for a crack. If no crack is found, this AD 
requires, before further flight, retorquing the upper ball-end 
attachment nut of the MSC. If a crack is found, this AD requires, 
before further flight, replacing the MSC with an airworthy MSC. This 
amendment is prompted by the discovery of cracks in the tapered 
housings of MSCs. The actions specified in this AD are intended to 
detect a crack in the MSC tapered housing and to prevent loss of the 
attachment of the MSC to the upper attachment yoke, loss of the main 
rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective September 27, 2006.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before November 13, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically;
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations. gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically;
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590;
     Fax: (202) 493-2251; or
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get the service information identified in this AD from 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 
75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments, and 
other information on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person 
at the Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket 
Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the 
Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address 
stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment adopts a new AD for the 
specified Eurocopter helicopters. This AD applies to MSCs not modified 
per MOD 073343 and on which the tightening torque of the attachment nut 
that secures the upper ball end has been increased by following MOD 
073191 or complying with MET Work Card 67.30.00.402 since MET Revision 
04-06 for Model AS350 helicopters and Revision 04.08 for Model AS355 
helicopters. This action requires, within 10 hours TIS, inspecting the 
tapered housing of the MSC for a crack. If no crack is found, this AD 
requires before further flight, adjusting the torque of the upper ball-
end attachment nut of the MSC to between 177-199 in-lbs (2-2.25 
decanewton meters (daN[middot]m)). If a crack is found, before further 
flight, this AD also requires replacing the MSC with an airworthy MSC. 
This amendment is prompted by the discovery of cracks in the tapered 
housings of MSCs. The condition, if not detected, could result in the 
loss of the attachment of the MSC to the upper attachment yoke, loss of 
main rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on Eurocopter Model AS 350 and AS 355 
helicopters. EASA advises of the discovery of cracks in the tapered 
housings of MSCs during scheduled inspections. EASA also advises that a 
very long crack in the tapered housing of an MSC can lead to loss of 
the attachment of the MSC concerned (sic) to the nonrotating swashplate 
and consequently loss of the helicopter.
    Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) Nos. 05.00.51 
for Model AS350B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D helicopters, and 05.00.48 
for Model AS355E helicopters, both dated February 27, 2006. The ASBs 
specify inspecting for a crack in the tapered housing of the MSC. The 
ASBs apply to all part numbers not modified per MOD 073343 and on which 
the tightening torque of the attachment nut that secures the upper ball 
end has been increased by following MOD 073191 or complying with MET 
Work Card 67.30.00.402 since MET Revision 04-06 for Model AS350 
helicopters and Revision 04.08 for Model AS355

[[Page 53551]]

helicopters. The ASBs also specify replacing an MSC if you find a 
vertical crack 20 millimeters or more in length. The EASA has 
classified this ASB as mandatory and issued Emergency AD No. 2006-0055-
E, dated March 1, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
helicopters in France. Although EASA's AD allows flight with certain 
cracks, this AD requires that you replace any cracked MSC with an 
airworthy MSC. This AD does not allow flight with any cracks on the MSC 
tapered housing.
    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 agreement. Under this agreement, EASA has kept 
the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined 
EASA's findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined 
that AD action is necessary for products of these type designs that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of these same type designs. Therefore, we are issuing this 
AD to detect a crack in the tapered housing of an MSC and to prevent 
loss of the attachment of the MSC to the nonrotating swash plate (upper 
attachment yoke), loss of main rotor control, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter. This AD requires the following actions:
     Within 10 hours TIS:
    [cir] Disconnect the MSC from the servo-control distributor and the 
upper attachment yoke.
    [cir] Cut the safety wire and remove it from the upper ball end of 
the attachment nut.
    [cir] Loosen the nut to allow lifting of the positioning lock 
washer so the edge below the washer at the top of the tapered housing 
is visible around the entire periphery.
    [cir] Visually inspect each MSC tapered housing for a crack using a 
10-power or higher magnifying glass pay particular attention to certain 
areas.
    [cir] Do not modify the length of the visible section of the upper 
ball end of the MSC.
     If you do not find a crack, before further flight:
    [cir] Adjust the tightening torque on the attachment nut on the 
upper ball end of the MSC to between 177-199 in-lbs (2-2.25 decanewton 
meters (daN[middot]m)).
    [cir] Reattach the MSC to the servo control distributor and the 
upper attachment yoke.
     If you find any crack (oblique, horizontal, or vertical), 
before further flight, replace the MSC with an airworthy MSC and adjust 
the tightening torque of the attachment nut to between 177-199 in-lbs 
(2-2.25 decanewton meters (daN[middot]m)).
    One-time adjusting the tightening torque on the upper ball-end 
attachment nut of a non-cracked MSC or replacing a cracked MSC with an 
airworthy MSC with proper tightening torque applied to the upper ball-
end attachment nut is terminating action for the requirements of this 
AD.
    The short compliance time involved is required because the 
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the 
controllability or structural integrity of parts installed on the 
helicopter. Inspecting the MSC tapered housing for a crack is required 
within 10 hours TIS. If no crack is found, the AD requires adjusting 
the tightening torque on the attachment nut on the upper ball end of 
the MSC before further flight. If a crack is found, the AD requires 
replacing the MSC with an airworthy MSC before further flight, and this 
AD must be issued immediately.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
    We estimate that this AD will affect 616 helicopters. We estimate 
that it will take about 1 hour per helicopter to inspect for a crack 
and about 4 work hours to replace an MSC at an average labor rate of 
$80 per work hour. Required parts will cost about $9,000 per MSC. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $5,790,400, assuming 1 MSC is replaced on each 
helicopter.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-25773; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-16-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket 
Web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment. You may 
review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register 
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD. See the DMS to examine the economic evaluation.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

[[Page 53552]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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:

2006-19-01 Eurocopter: Amendment 39-14758. Docket No. FAA-2006-
25773; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-16-AD.

Applicability

    Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, D, and AS355E helicopters, with a 
main servo control (MSC), all part numbers, installed, on which the 
tightening torque of the attachment nut that secures the upper ball 
end has been increased by following MOD 073191 or MET Work Card 
67.30.00.402 since Revision 04-06 for the AS350 models and since 
Revision 04-08 for the AS355 models, but not modified per MOD 
073343, certificated in any category.

Compliance

    Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
    To detect a crack in the MSC tapered housing and to prevent loss 
of the attachment of the MSC to the upper attachment yoke, loss of 
main rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter, do the following:
    (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (1) Disconnect each MSC from the servo-control distributor and 
the upper attachment yoke.
    (2) Cut the safety wire and remove it from the upper ball end of 
the attachment nut.
    (3) Loosen attachment nut ``a'' shown in Figure 1 of this AD and 
lift the positioning lock washer under the attachment nut so the 
edge below the lock washer at the top of the tapered housing is 
visible around the entire periphery.
    (4) Visually inspect each MSC tapered housing for a crack using 
a 10-power or higher magnifying glass paying particular attention to 
area ``L'' and to the edge of the tapered housing located under the 
lock washer under attachment nut ``a'' as depicted in Figure 1 of 
this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12SE06.022

    (5) Do not modify the length of the visible section of the upper 
ball end of the MSC.

    Note 1: MET Work Card 67.30.00.402, paragraph 5.2, provides 
information concerning the positioning of the upper ball end of the 
MSC.

    (b) If you do not find a crack, before further flight:
    (1) Adjust the tightening torque on the attachment nut that 
secures the upper ball end of the MSC to between 177-199 in-lbs (2-
2.25 decanewton meters (daN[middot]m)).
    (2) Install safety wire and apply sealant to the upper ball end 
by running a sealant bead on the attachment per the applicable 
maintenance work card(s).
    (3) Reattach the MSC to the servo control distributor and the 
upper attachment yoke.
    (c) If you find any crack (oblique, horizontal, or vertical), 
before further flight, replace the MSC with an airworthy MSC and 
adjust the tightening torque of the attachment nut to between 177-
199 in-lb (2-2.25 daN[middot]m)).

    Note 2: Eurocopter ASBs 05.00.51 and 05.00.48 dated February 27, 
2006, pertain to the subject of this AD.



[[Page 53553]]


    Note 3: This AD differs from the European ASBs and the EASA AD 
in that we do not permit flight with known cracks in the MSC tapered 
housing.

    (d) Adjusting the tightening torque on the upper ball-end 
attachment nut of a non-cracked MSC or replacing a cracked MSC with 
an airworthy MSC with 177-199 in-lb (2-2.25 daN[middot]m) tightening 
torque applied to the upper ball-end attachment nut is terminating 
action for the requirements of this AD.
    (e) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Contact the Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0110, 
telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about 
previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
    (f) Special flight permits will not be issued.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 27, 2006.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency Emergency AD No. 2006-0055-E, dated March 1, 2006.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 1, 2006.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-7560 Filed 9-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M