[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 46 (Thursday, March 8, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13993-13996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5621]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0221; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-082-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for a 
certain Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight Assembly (searchlight) 
installed on, but not limited to, Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 
and Model AW139 helicopters, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) 
Model S-92A helicopters, and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (Eurocopter) 
Model EC135 and Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. This proposed AD 
would require, before further flight, inserting information into the 
Normal Procedures section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM), a 
daily check of the searchlight, and at a specified time interval or if 
you find certain conditions, modifying any affected searchlight gimbal 
assembly. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a searchlight 
vibrating and an investigation that revealed that the gimbal azimuth 
top nut was loose. A loose nut, if not detected and corrected, could 
result in a gap between the rubber edging of the top shroud and the 
gimbal frame, leading to degredation of pointing accuracy and stability 
performance of the searchlight, and excessive vibration. If the nut 
were to entirely disengage, the searchlight could disconnect partially 
or totally from the helicopter, resulting in damage to the helicopter 
and injury to persons on the ground.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 7, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Examining the AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this proposed AD, the 
economic evaluation, any

[[Page 13994]]

comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Spectrolab, Inc. ATTN: Saul Vargas, 12500 Gladstone Ave., Sylmar, CA 
91342, telephone (818) 365-4611, fax (818) 361-5102, or on the internet 
at http://www.spectrolab.com. You may review a copy of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Grigg, Manager, Safety Management 
Group, DOT/FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: 
(817) 222-5126; fax: (817) 222-5961; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD No.: 
2010-0237R2, dated December 14, 2010, to correct an unsafe condition 
for the Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlights installed on the following 
model helicopters: Agusta AB139 and AW139, Sikorsky S-92A, and 
Eurocopter MBB-BK 117 C2 and EC 135 series, if equipped with Spectrolab 
Nightsun XP Gimbal Assembly part number (P/N) 033295 series, used on 
Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight Assembly System P/Ns 033338 series. 
EASA advises that a maintenance organization reported an incident where 
vibration was associated with the Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight. 
EASA states in its AD that an investigation revealed the Gimbal Azimuth 
Top Hex Nut was loose. This condition, if not detected and corrected, 
could lead to a gap between the rubber edging of the top shroud and the 
Gimbal frame, resulting in degredation of pointing accuracy and 
stability performance, and pose excessive vibration. If the nut were to 
entirely disengage, the Searchlight/Gimbal could disconnect from the 
helicopter and remain attached solely by the internal cable harness or 
separate totally, resulting in damage to the helicopter or injury to 
persons on the ground.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    Spectrolab has issued Nightsun XP Searchlight Safety and Service 
Bulletin SL 0810-01, Amendment 2, dated September 24, 
2010 (SB), which describes a design change that incorporates two 
positive locking mechanisms: a torque value and safety wire applied to 
the nut. These locking mechanisms prevent the gimbal azimuth top nut 
from loosening and allowing the center shaft to rotate out. The 
following table lists the Nightsun systems containing one of these 
gimbal assemblies by P/N and revision:

                                            Affected Systems and P/N
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                 System P/N                                Nomenclature                    Affected revisions
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033338.....................................  Nightsun XP Searchlight System..........  A through D.
033338-3...................................  Nightsun XP Searchlight System..........  A through D.
033338-4...................................  Nightsun XP Searchlight System..........  A through D.
033704.....................................  IFCO Nightsun XP Searchlight System.....  A through C.
033704-1...................................  IFCO Nightsun XP Searchlight System.....  A through C.
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    Spectrolab has also issued Nightsun XP Searchlight System Kit and 
Procedure to Incorporate EASA AD 2010-0183 Conformance, 034374 Revision 
NC, approved September 28, 2010 (Kit and Procedure). Once modified in 
accordance with the Kit and Procedure, the Nightsun XP gimbals are re-
identified with a new nameplate and overlay from a P/N 033295-1 to 
033295-3, or P/N 033295-2 to 033295-4.
    EASA classified this modification as mandatory and issued EASA AD 
No.: 2010-0237R2, dated December 14, 2010, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of helicopters with the affected system installed.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require:
     Before further flight, inserting a copy of the SB into the 
Normal Procedures section of the RFM.
     Before the first flight of each day, visually checking the 
searchlight installation for a gap between the top shroud rubber 
edging, P/N 033381, and the side covers, P/N 033286, with slight 
pressure applied to either side of the searchlight. The edging should 
remain in physical contact with the side covers when slight pressure is 
applied to the searchlight. If the edging does not remain in contact, 
the gimbal assembly must be modified and re-identified. An owner/
operator (pilot) holding at least a Private Pilot Certificate may 
perform this visual check and must show compliance by updating the 
helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)-(4) 
and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
     Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), modify and re-
identify the gimbal assembly in accordance with the Kit and Procedure, 
steps 1 through 13.

[[Page 13995]]

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The differences between this AD and the EASA AD are:
     We require modifying and re-identifying the searchlight 
within 100 hours TIS, while the EASA AD imposes a calendar date for 
compliance.
     The EASA AD requires contacting the design (change) 
approval holder if discrepancies are found during the inspection of the 
searchlight installation, and we do not require this action.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 6 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take minimal time to 
insert the service bulletin into the RFM, and about 3.0 work hours per 
helicopter to modify the searchlight. At an average labor rate of $85 
per work hour, this amounts to $255 per helicopter. Required parts 
would cost about $1,000 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $1,255 per helicopter, or $7,530 for the fleet.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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, I certify 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. 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 proposed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight: Docket No. FAA-2012-0221; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-082-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Spectrolab Nightsun XP Searchlight Assembly 
Systems with gimbal assembly part number (P/N) 033295-1 or 033295-2, 
installed on, but not limited to, Agusta S.p.A. Model AB139 and 
Model AW139 helicopters, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A 
helicopters, and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 and Model 
MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, certificated in any category. The 
searchlight assembly system P/Ns and revision level using one of the 
two affected gimbal assembly P/Ns are listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                                        Table 1--Affected Systems and P/N
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               System P/N                                Nomenclature                     Affected revisions
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033338..................................  Nightsun XP Searchlight System............  A through D.
033338-3................................  Nightsun XP Searchlight System............  A through D.
033338-4................................  Nightsun XP Searchlight System............  A through D.
033704..................................  IFCO Nightsun XP Searchlight System.......  A through C.
033704-1................................  IFCO Nightsun XP Searchlight System.......  A through C.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This proposed AD is being issued to prevent the Searchlight/
Gimbal from disconnecting from the helicopter and remaining attached 
soley by the internal cable harness, or separating totally, 
resulting in damage to the helicopter or injury to people on the 
ground.

(c) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(d) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight, insert a copy of Nightsun XP 
Searchlight Safety and Service Bulletin SL 0810-01, 
Amendment 2, dated September 24, 2010, into the Normal 
Procedures section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual.
    (2) Before the first flight of each day, visually check the 
searchlight installation for a gap between the top shroud rubber 
edging, P/N 033381, and the side covers, P/N 033286, with slight 
pressure applied to either side of the searchlight. The edging must 
remain in physical contact with the side covers when slight pressure 
is applied to the searchlight.
    (3) The actions required by paragraph (d)(2) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a Private 
Pilot Certificate, and must be entered into the helicopter 
maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)-(4) and 
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
    (4) If the edging does not remain in physical contact with the 
side cover when slight pressure is applied to the searchlight in 
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (d)(2) of this AD, 
before further flight, with an affected Spectrolab Nightsun XP 
Searchlight assembly system installed,

[[Page 13996]]

modify and re-identify the gimbal assembly in accordance with 
paragraph (d)(5) of this AD.
    (5) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), modify and re-
identify the gimbal assembly in accordance with Nightsun XP 
Searchlight System Kit and Procedure to Incorporate EASA AD 2010-
0183 Conformance, 034374 Revision NC, approved September 28, 2010, 
steps 1 through 13.
    (6) Accomplishing paragraph (d)(5) of this AD is terminating 
action for the requirements of this AD.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Jim Grigg, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-5126; fax: 817-222-
5961; email: [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a Part 119 operating 
certificate or under Part 91, Subpart K, we suggest that you notify 
your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the 
manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate 
holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with 
this AD through an AMOC.

(f) Additional Information

    For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Spectrolab, Inc. ATTN: Saul Vargas, 12500 Gladstone Ave., Sylmar, CA 
91342, telephone (818) 365-4611, fax (818) 361-5102, or on the 
internet at http://www.spectrolab.com. You may review a copy of this 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
    (g) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency AD No.: 2010-0237R2, dated December 14, 2010.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3340, Exterior 
Lighting.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 24, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-5621 Filed 3-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P