[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12659-12661]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-5288]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0663; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-25-AD; 
Amendment 39-16231; AD 2010-06-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332 C, L, 
L1, and L2; AS 350 B3; AS355 F, F1, F2, and N; SA 365N and N1; AS 365 
N2 and N3; SA 366G1; EC 130 B4; and EC 155B and B1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
specified model helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that the AD 
is issued following a manufacturing nonconformity found on one batch of 
the servo-control caps. With a defective servo-control, rotation of the 
distributor might not be stopped mechanically since only friction of 
inner seals holds the distributor sleeve in its position. The AD 
actions are intended to address the unsafe condition created by a 
manufacturing nonconformity found on one batch of servo-control caps. 
If not corrected this condition could cause untimely movements of 
servo-controls, which are used on main and anti-torque rotors, and lead 
to the loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on April 21, 2010.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications is approved 
by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 21, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations office, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 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, TX 
75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527, or at http://www.eurocopter.com.

EXAMINING THE AD DOCKET: The AD docket contains the Notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM), the economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address and operating hours for the 
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) are in the 
ADDRESSES section of this AD. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after they are received.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that 
would apply to the Eurocopter France Model AS 332 C, L, L1, and L2; AS 
350 B3; AS355 F, F1, F2, and N; SA 365N and N1; AS 365 N2 and N3; SA 
366G1; EC 130 B4; and EC 155B and B1 helicopters on July 14, 2009. That 
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2009 (74 FR 
38381). That NPRM proposed to address the unsafe condition created by a 
manufacturing nonconformity found on one batch of servo-control caps. 
If not corrected this condition could cause untimely movements of 
servo-controls, which are used on main and anti-torque rotors, and lead 
to the loss of control of the helicopter. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI AD and any related service 
information in the AD docket.

Comments

    By publishing the NPRM, we gave the public an opportunity to 
participate in developing this AD. However, we received no comment on 
the NPRM or on our determination of the cost to the public. Therefore, 
based on our review and evaluation of the available data, we have 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD as proposed.

[[Page 12660]]

Relevant Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 67.00.37 for 
Model AS 332 helicopters, ASB No. 67.00.40 for Model AS 350 
helicopters, ASB No. 67.00.28 for Model AS 355 helicopters, ASB No. 
67.00.13 for Model AS 365 and SA 365 helicopters, ASB No. 67.08 for 
Model SA 366 helicopters, ASB No. 67A010 for Model EC 130 helicopters, 
and ASB No. 67A010 for Model EC 155 helicopters, all Revision 0 and all 
dated February 19, 2007. Two of the ASBs have identical numbers and 
dates. There is a separate ASB No. 67A010 with the same date for the 
Model EC130 helicopter and the Model EC 155 helicopter. The actions 
described in the MCAI AD are intended to correct the same unsafe 
condition as that identified in the service information.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD

    We have reviewed the MCAI AD and related service information and, 
in general, agree with their substance. However, our AD differs from 
the MCAI AD in that it:
     Is not applicable to the Model AS 332 C1 helicopters 
because they are not type certificated in the United States;
     Does not require returning the servo-controls to the 
manufacturer;
     Does not address servo-control ``spares'' (parts not 
installed on a helicopter);
     Uses the term ``inspect'' rather than ``check''; and
     Includes information explaining that there are 2 ASBs with 
the same number and date--ASB No. 67A010 for the Model EC130 B4 
helicopters and ASB No. 67A010 for the Model EC 155B and B1 
helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 318 helicopters with 33 
non-conforming control cap assemblies of U.S. registry. Also, we 
estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour to inspect each 
helicopter in the fleet and 4 work-hours per helicopter to remove and 
replace an unairworthy servo-control. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. A replacement cap assembly would cost $15,605. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be 
$553,215, or $1,740 per helicopter.

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 product(s) identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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.
    Therefore, I certify this AD:
    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 and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2010-06-07 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-16231; Docket No. FAA-
2009-0663; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-25-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on April 
21, 2010.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS 
332 C, L, L1, and L2; AS 350 B3; AS355 F, F1, F2, and N; SA 365N and 
N1; AS 365 N2 and N3; SA 366G1; EC 130 B4; and EC 155B and B1 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD 
states that the AD is issued following a manufacturing nonconformity 
found on one batch of the servo-control cap, part number (P/N) 
800137. With a defective servo-control, rotation of the distributor 
might not be stopped mechanically since only friction of inner seals 
holds the distributor sleeve in its position. If not corrected this 
condition could cause untimely movements of servo-controls, which 
are used on main and anti-torque rotors, and lead to the loss of 
control of the helicopter.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, unless 
already done, do the following actions.
    (1) For each servo-control with a P/N and a serial number (S/N) 
listed in paragraph 1.A.1. of the applicable Eurocopter Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) stated in Table 1 of this AD, determine 
whether there is a letter ``R'' marked in the inspection box of the 
servo-control identification plate.
    (2) If there is no letter ``R'' marked in the inspection box of 
a servo-control identification plate, on the next removal of the 
servo-control, or not later than 2 years after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, replace the servo-control with an 
airworthy servo-control that has an ``R'' marked in the inspection 
box of the servo-control identification plate or one with a serial 
number not listed in paragraph 1.A.1 of the ASB applicable to your 
model helicopter.

    Note 1: The letter ``R'' marked in the inspection box of the 
servo-control identification plate indicates that the servo-control 
cap assembly has been brought into conformity with design data and 
has been installed properly.

    (3) There are 2 identically numbered and dated ASBs. There is an 
ASB No. 67A010, dated February 19, 2007, that applies to the Model 
EC130B4 helicopters and an ASB No. 67A010, dated February 19, 2007, 
that applies to the Model EC 155B and B1 helicopters. You must use 
the ASB that applies to your model helicopter.

[[Page 12661]]



                                                     Table 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          For helicopter model:                               Refer to paragraph 1.A.1 of ASB:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS 332 C, L, L1, and L2..................  No. 67.00.37, dated February 19, 2007.
AS 350 B3................................  No. 67.00.40, dated February 19, 2007.
AS 355 F, F1, F2, and N..................  No. 67.00.28, dated February 19, 2007.
AS 365 N and N1..........................  No. 67.00.13, dated February 19, 2007.
SA 366 G1................................  No. 67.08, dated February 19, 2007.
EC 130 B4................................  No. 67A010, dated February 19, 2007.
EC 155B and B1...........................  No. 67A010, dated February 19, 2007.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD

    (f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that it:
    (1) Is not applicable to the Model AS 332 C1 helicopters because 
they are not type certificated in the United States;
    (2) Does not require returning the servo-controls to the 
manufacturer;
    (3) Does not address servo-control ``spares'' (parts not 
installed on a helicopter);
    (4) Uses the term ``inspect'' rather than ``check''; and
    (5) Includes information explaining that there are 2 ASBs with 
the same number and date.

Other Information

    (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Send information to Attn: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961.

Related Information

    (h) MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0099, dated April 11, 
2007, contains related information.

Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code

    (i) JASC Code 6700: Rotorcraft Flight Control.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the portions of the service information 
specified in Table 2 to do the actions required.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information specified in 
Table 2 under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527, or at 
http://www.eurocopter.com.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

                                   Table 2--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin                Date                         For helicopter model
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. 67.00.37...........................  February 19, 2007.........  AS 332 C, L, L1, and L2.
No. 67.00.40...........................  February 19, 2007.........  AS 350 B3.
No. 67.00.28...........................  February 19, 2007.........  AS 355 F, F1, F2, and N.
No. 67.00.13...........................  February 19, 2007.........  AS 365 N and N1.
No. 67.08..............................  February 19, 2007.........  SA 366 G1.
No. 67A010.............................  February 19, 2007.........  EC 130 B4.
No. 67A010.............................  February 19, 2007.........  EC 155B and B1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 18, 2010.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-5288 Filed 3-16-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P