[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 20, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16137-16139]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5622]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0454; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-54-AD; 
Amendment 39-16973; AD 2012-05-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
Eurocopter France (ECF) Model SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-
365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This AD was 
prompted by some reports of deterioration and two reports of failure of 
Starflex star arm ends. The actions are intended to modify the main 
rotor frequency adapters to reduce the temperature in the area, to 
prevent failure of the star arm end, severe vibration, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective on April 24, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 24, 2012.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 
75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972)

[[Page 16138]]

641-3710 or at http://www.eurocopter.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.
    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 AD, any 
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations Office (telephone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax 
(817) 222-5961, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On May 13, 2011, at 76 FR 27954, the Federal Register published our 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to ECF Model SA-365C, SA-
365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 
helicopters, certificated in any category. The proposed requirements 
were intended to modify the main rotor frequency adapters to reduce the 
temperature in the area, to prevent failure of the star arm end, severe 
vibration, 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 Union, has issued EASA 
Emergency AD (EAD) No. 2006-0362-E, dated November 30, 2006, to correct 
an unsafe condition for the specified Eurocopter model helicopters. 
EASA advises that this EAD is issued following some reports of 
deterioration and two reports of failure of Starflex star arm ends. 
EASA states that these deteriorations ``generated high-amplitude 
vibrations in flight, compelling the pilot to carry out a precautionary 
landing, in each of these cases. The failure of the Starflex star arm 
end could make it impossible to control the helicopter. These 
deteriorations are due to the strong effect of temperature on the 
strength of the bush-to-Starflex star arm end attachment.'' As a 
result, EASA issued its EAD to require modification (MOD 0762C39) of 
the frequency adapters and the frequency adapter bushes to improve the 
ventilation in the area on the star arm end on ``helicopters operated 
in hot climatic conditions and/or tropical and damp atmosphere.''

Comments

    We gave the public an opportunity to participate in developing this 
AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed except 
for minor editorial and formatting changes. These minor editorial 
changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM and 
will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the 
scope of this AD.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    This AD differs from the EASA AD as follows:
     We refer to flight hours as hours time-in-service.
     We refer to a check as an inspection because it is an 
action performed by maintenance personnel rather than a pilot.
     We omit the phrase ``hot climatic conditions and/or in 
tropical and damp atmosphere'' because it is unenforceable.

Related Service Information

    ECF has issued one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin, dated November 
23, 2006, with four different numbers: No. 62.00.24 is for the civil 
Model SA-365 N, AS-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3; No. 62.14 is for the 
civil Model SA-366G1; No. 65.45 is for the Model SA-365C, C1, and C2; 
and No. 62.00.10 is for the non-FAA type certificated military Model 
565 helicopters. The actions described in the EASA AD are intended to 
correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in the service 
information.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 37 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in 
order to comply with this AD:
     $1,020 assuming 12 work-hours per helicopter to modify the 
frequency adapters and bushes at an average labor rate of $85 per work-
hour, and
     $960 per helicopter for required parts.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $73,260.

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 helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    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 this AD:
    (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),
    (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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

[[Page 16139]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2012-05-01 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-16973; Docket No. FAA-
2011-0454; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-54-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, 
SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as deterioration and 
failure of Starflex star arm ends. These deteriorations generated 
high-amplitude vibrations in flight requiring precautionary 
landings. These deteriorations are due to the strong effect of 
temperature on the strength of the bush-to-Starflex star arm end 
attachment and require modification of the frequency adapters and 
the frequency adapter bushes to improve the ventilation in the area 
on the star arm end. This condition could result in failure of the 
star arm end, severe vibration, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 24, 2012.

(d) 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.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) For a main rotor head frequency adapter, pre MOD 0762C39, 
within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove the main rotor 
blades, modify the frequency adapters and bushes, and change the 
part number of the frequency adapter as shown in Figures 1 through 5 
and by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.2., 
of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 62.00.24 
for the Model SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3; No. 62.14 for 
the Model SA-366G1; and No. 65.45 for the Model SA-365C, C1, and C2 
helicopters; all dated November 23, 2006. This modification is MOD 
0762C39.
    (2) For each main rotor head frequency adapter modified per MOD 
0762C39, within 10 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, inspect to 
determine whether the safety wire is in place on the trailing edge 
of the frequency adapter and whether the holes in the frequency 
adapters and the frequency adapter bushes, as shown in Figure 5 of 
the EASB for your model helicopter, are blocked.
    (i) If the lockwire is missing from the trailing edge of the 
frequency adapter, before further flight, reposition the bush if it 
has turned and install more safety wire.
    (ii) If a hole is blocked, before further flight, unblock the 
hole.
    (3) Before installing a frequency adapter or bush, modify the 
frequency adapter or bush and change the part number in accordance 
with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, DOT/FAA Southwest 
Region, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
Gary Roach, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, 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.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) The Eurocopter EASB contains four different EASB numbers; 
three (Nos. 62.00.24, 62.14, and 65.45) apply to different civil 
Eurocopter model helicopters; and one (No. 62.00.10) only applies to 
non-FAA type-certificated military Model 565 helicopters and is not 
incorporated by reference. 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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency Emergency AD No. 2006-0362-E, dated November 30, 2006.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code 5311: Main Rotor 
Head.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service 
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 
62.00.24 (for the civil Model SA-365 N, AS-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 
365 N3), Revision 0, dated November 23, 2006
    (ii) Eurocopter EASB No. 62.14 (for the civil Model SA-366G1), 
Revision 0, dated November 23, 2006
    (iii) Eurocopter EASB No. 65.45 (for the Model SA-365C, C1, and 
C2), Revision 0, dated November 23, 2006

    Note to paragraph (i)(2): These service bulletins were issued 
together as one document along with Eurocopter EASB No. 62.00.10 
(for the non-FAA type certificated military Model 565 helicopters), 
which is not incorporated by reference.

    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, 
Texas 75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710 or at 
http://www.eurocopter.com.
    (4) 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 24, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manger, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-5622 Filed 3-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P