[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 170 (Thursday, September 2, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53857-53859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-21578]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0825; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-072-AD; 
Amendment 39-16410; AD 2010-16-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA330J 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-16-51, which was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France 
(Eurocopter) Model SA330J helicopters by individual letters. This AD 
requires, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting for a gap 
between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan) rotor 
blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing. This 
inspection must be accomplished by using a feeler gauge attached to a 
rigid rod. If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and 
the housing, this AD requires replacing the two fan rotor shaft 
bearings with two airworthy bearings. This AD is prompted by the 
separation of a fan rotor blade that caused puncture holes in the 
transmission deck. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to 
damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective September 17, 2010, to all persons except those 
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2010-
16-51, issued on July 19, 2010, which contained the requirements of 
this amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 17, 2010.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before November 1, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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 (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com.
    Examining the docket: You may examine the docket that contains the 
AD, any comments, and other information on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
located in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building at the 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-4389, fax 
(817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 19, 2010, we issued Emergency AD 
2010-16-51 for Eurocopter Model SA330J helicopters, which requires, 
within 10 hours TIS, inspecting for a gap between the MGB fan rotor 
blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing over the 
entire width of the blade. The inspection must be accomplished by using 
a 0.2 millimeter (mm) (0.008 inch) feeler gauge attached to a rigid 
rod. If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the upper blade and 
the upper housing, the Emergency AD requires replacing the two fan 
rotor shaft bearings with two airworthy bearings. That action was 
prompted by a rotor burst of MGB oil fan. Investigation of the incident 
has shown that some fan rotor blades struck the upper area of the guide 
vane bearing housing of the fan and separated from the rotor, striking 
the MGB compartment environment, and punctured holes in the 
transmission deck. This interference was due to internal degradation of 
the bearings of the fan rotor shaft. This condition, if not corrected, 
could lead to fan rotor burst, damage to the hydraulic lines and flight 
controls, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, notified us that 
an unsafe condition may exist on these helicopter models. EASA advises 
of a case of rotor burst of a fan. Investigation has shown that some 
fan rotor blades interfered with the upper area of the guide vane 
bearing housing of the fan. The blades detached from the rotor, 
impacted the MGB compartment environment, and punctured holes in the 
transmission deck. This interference was due to internal degradation of 
the bearings of

[[Page 53858]]

the fan rotor shaft. EASA states that this condition, if not corrected 
could lead to fan rotor burst and possibly result in damage to 
hydraulic pipes and flight controls located nearby the MGB cooling fan.
    Eurocopter has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.96, 
dated July 12, 2010 (EASB), for Model SA330J helicopters and for non-
FAA type-certificated Model SA330Ba, Ca, Ea, L, Jm, S1, and Sm military 
helicopters. The EASB specifies checking for a minimum play of 0.2 
millimeters (mm) between a fan blade and the guide vane bearing housing 
using a locally manufactured tool. The EASB also states that if the 
minimum play is not complied with, replace the two bearings of the fan 
rotor shaft. EASA classified the EASB as mandatory and issued AD No. 
2010-0147-E, dated July 14, 2010, to ensure the continued airworthiness 
of these helicopters. This AD differs from EASA Emergency AD No. 2010-
0142-E in that we use the term ``hours time-in-service'' rather than 
``flight hours.'' Also, for clarification, we specify inspecting for a 
``gap'' rather than checking for ``play.''
    This helicopter model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the 
applicable bilateral agreement, EASA has kept us informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the findings of EASA, 
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for helicopters of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other Eurocopter Model SA330J helicopters of the same type design, 
we issued Emergency AD 2010-16-51 to prevent a rotor burst of the MGB 
fan, damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter. The Emergency AD requires, within 10 
hours TIS, using a 0.2 mm (0.008 inch) feeler gauge attached to a rigid 
rod, inspecting for a gap between a fan rotor blade and the upper 
section of the guide vane bearing housing over the entire width of the 
blade. If the feeler gauge can be inserted between the blade and the 
housing (a gap greater than or equal to 0.2 mm), no further action is 
required. If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and 
the housing (a gap less than 0.2 mm), replacing the two fan rotor shaft 
bearings with two airworthy bearings is required. After installing 
airworthy bearings, reinspecting the gap to ensure there is sufficient 
clearance between the blade and the housing is also required. The 
actions must be accomplished by following specified portions of the 
EASB described previously.
    The short compliance time involved is required because the 
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the 
structural integrity and controllability of the helicopter. Therefore, 
the actions previously described are required within a very short time 
period, and this AD must be issued immediately.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters 
issued on July 19, 2010 to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Eurocopter Model SA330J helicopters. These conditions still exist, and 
the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to 
14 CFR 39.13 to make it effective to all persons.
    We estimate that this AD will affect 12 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Each inspection will take approximately 2 work hours. 
Replacing both bearings on each helicopter will take approximately 6 
work hours. The average labor rate is $85 per work hour. Required parts 
will cost approximately $935 per helicopter (2 bearings per 
helicopter). Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact 
of the AD on U.S. operators to be $19,380 ($1,615 per helicopter, 
assuming 1 inspection and replacement of both bearings 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-2010-0825; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-SW-072-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://www.regulations.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).

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 AD docket 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.

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

[[Page 53859]]

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:

2010-16-51 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-16410. Docket No. FAA-
2010-0825; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-072-AD.

    Applicability: Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated.
    To prevent rotor burst of the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan 
assembly (fan), damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
    (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished 
previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, 
using a 0.2 millimeter (mm) (0.008 inch) feeler gauge attached to a 
rigid rod, inspect for a minimum gap of 0.2 mm between a fan rotor 
blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing over 
the entire width of the blade as depicted in Figure 1 and as shown 
in Figure 2 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05.96, dated July 12, 2010 (EASB), and by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of the EASB.
    (1) If the feeler gauge can be inserted between the blade and 
the housing (a gap greater than or equal to 0.2 mm), no further 
action is required.
    (2) If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and 
the housing (a gap less than 0.2 mm), before further flight, replace 
the two fan rotor shaft bearings, with two airworthy bearings, part 
number 704A33651114. Reinspect to ensure compliance with paragraph 
(a) of this AD after installing airworthy bearings. Replacing the 
two fan rotor shaft bearings does not constitute terminating action 
for the inspection requirements of this AD.
    (b) 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, FAA, ATTN: Rao 
Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 
76137, telephone (817) 222-4389, fax (817) 222-5961, for information 
about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
    (c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6322: 
Main gearbox oil cooler fan.
    (d) The inspections shall be done in accordance with the 
specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 05.96, dated July 12, 2010. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved this incorporation by reference 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, TX 75053-
4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. 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 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 17, 2010, to 
all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by Emergency AD 2010-16-51, issued July 19, 2010, which 
contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 5, 2010.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-21578 Filed 9-1-10; 8:45 am]
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