[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 10, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21233-21236]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-07932]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0630; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-010-AD;
Amendment 39-17409; AD 2013-07-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters. This AD requires visually
checking the center windscreen panel (center windscreen) for a crack
and replacing the center windscreen if there is a crack, if the
windscreen distorts during flight, or within 12 months. This AD was
prompted by in-flight cracking and failure of a center windscreen. The
actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack in the blending radii
of the center windscreen to prevent failure of the windscreen, injury
to the flight crew, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective May 15, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of May 15, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3775,
or at http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review 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 (phone: 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: Jim Grigg, Manager, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX
76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On June 18, 2012, at 77 FR 36213, 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 Eurocopter France
EC130B4 helicopters with a center windscreen, part number (P/N) 350A25-
9004-00, 350A25-9025-00, or 350A25-9041-20. That NPRM proposed to
require, before each flight, visually checking the center windscreen
and replacing the center windscreen panel before further flight if
there is a crack in the center windscreen panel or if the windscreen
distorts during flight. The NPRM also proposed to require, within 12
months, replacing the center windscreen with a certain part-numbered
windscreen, which would terminate the repetitive inspection
requirements. The NPRM specified that an owner/operator (pilot) may
perform the visual check and must enter compliance with the applicable
paragraph into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14
CFR 43.9(a)(1)-(4) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check
because it involves only a visual check for a crack in the center
windscreen and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic.
This authorization is an exception to our standard maintenance
regulations. The proposed requirements were intended to detect a crack
in the blending radii of the center windscreen to prevent failure of
the windscreen, injury to the flight crew, 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, issued EASA AD No.
2010-0258, dated December 6, 2010 (AD 2010-0258), to correct an unsafe
condition for the Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters. EASA received
reports that center windscreen panels failed during flights due to a
crack that started in the blending radius between the lower and upper
sections of the windscreen. EASA stated that this condition, if not
detected and corrected, could result in serious injury of the
helicopter occupants, and therefore, issued Emergency AD 2007-0219-E,
dated August 24, 2007, (AD 2007-0219-E), requiring a pre-flight
inspection of the center windscreen, repair or replacement of a cracked
windscreen, and an airspeed limitation. In AD 2010-0258, EASA notes
that it approved a modification (MOD 073590) for the EC130B4
helicopters that incorporates a newly designed center windscreen panel,
part number (P/N) 350A25-9045-20, to ``eliminate the possibility of
centre windshield cracks thus providing an alternative terminating
action for the preflight inspections.''
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 36213, June 18,
2012).
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all
information provided by EASA and determined the 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.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD imposes flight restrictions and replacing the
windscreen within 50 flight hours or 15 days, whichever occurs first,
if distortion of the windscreen is detected in-flight. This AD mandates
replacing the windscreen before further flight if distortion occurs
during flight. In addition, this AD mandates MOD
[[Page 21234]]
073590 and replacing the affected windscreen with an airworthy
windscreen, P/N 350A25-9045-20, within 12 months.
Related Service Information
We reviewed Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
05A005 Revision 2, dated November 22, 2010. The ASB specifies:
Performing a visual check of the center windscreen before
each flight.
Replacing any center windscreen before resuming flight if
a crack is detected.
If in-flight distortion is found, immediately restricting
airspeed to 70 knots or below, and
[cir] If a crack is found, before next flight, replacing the
windscreen per Eurocopter Service Bulletin 56-003, dated November 16,
2010, (SB 56-003), which describes procedures to perform MOD 073590,
and
[cir] If no crack is found, affixing an airspeed limitation label
and within 50 flying hours or 15 days, whichever is earlier, replacing
the windscreen per MOD 073590.
That incorporation of MOD 073590 is an alternative to the
bulletin, relieving users of the inspection requirements.
EASA has classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD 2010-0258
to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 87 helicopters of U.S.
registry and that labor costs will average $85 per work-hour.
Therefore, we estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
The check of the center windscreen before each flight will
take about 15 minutes for a labor cost of $21.25 per inspection. No
parts will be needed, so the total cost for the U.S. 87-helicopter
fleet is about $1,849 per inspection.
Replacing the center windscreen will require about 20
work-hours for a labor cost of $1,700 per helicopter. Parts will cost
$6,037 for a total cost per helicopter of $7,737.
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.
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):
2013-07-05 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-17409; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0630; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-010-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters with
center windscreen panel (center windscreen), part number (P/N)
350A25-9004-00, 350A25-9025-00, or 350A25-9041-20, certificated in
any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the blending
radii of the center windscreen, which could lead to failure of the
center windscreen, injury to the flight crew, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 15, 2013.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless accomplished
previously.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Until the center windscreen is replaced with center
windscreen P/N 350A25-9045-20, before each flight, visually check
the center windscreen for a crack in the area of the blending radii
where the front-lower part of the center windscreen joins the front
fuselage as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
This visual check may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate, and must be entered
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in
accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 43.9
(a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained
as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
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(2) If there is a crack or if a pilot indicates that the center
windscreen distorted during flight, before further flight, replace
the center windscreen with an airworthy center windscreen, P/N
350A25-9045-20, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 2.B.2.b. through 2.B.2.b.4., of Eurocopter Service
Bulletin No. 56-003, Revision 0, dated November 16, 2010.
(3) Within 12 months, replace the center windscreen with an
airworthy center windscreen, P/N 350A25-9045-20, in accordance with
the instructions contained in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
(4) Replacing the center windscreen with center windscreen, P/N
350A25-9045-20, constitutes terminating action for the requirements
of this AD.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished, provided that:
(1) No passengers are onboard;
(2) The time to fly to the location does not exceed 10 hours
time-in-service; and
(3) The airspeed does not exceed 70 knots indicated air speed
(KIAS).
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Jim Grigg, Manager, Safety
Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR 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.
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency AD No. 2010-0258, dated December 6, 2010.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5600, Window/
Windshield System.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 56-003, Revision 0, dated
November 16, 2010.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD,
contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323, fax
(972) 641-3775, or at http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference 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.
[[Page 21236]]
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 22, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-07932 Filed 4-9-13; 8:45 am]
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