[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 8, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26712-26714]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10909]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0399; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-064-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

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 
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-
365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This proposed AD 
would require inspecting the collective pitch lever for correct locking 
and unlocking conditions. This proposed AD is prompted by two separate 
reports of inadvertent collective pitch lever locking and unlocking. 
The proposed actions are intended to detect an incorrectly adjusted 
collective pitch lever, which could result in loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 8, 2013.

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 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.

[[Page 26713]]

    For service information identified in this proposed 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
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 EASA AD 
No. 2011-0154, dated August 22, 2011, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Eurocopter Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 
365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters. EASA advises that two occurrences 
have been reported of inadvertent locking and unlocking of the 
collective pitch lever. One inadvertent collective pitch lever locking 
occurred when moving the collective pitch lever to the low-pitch 
position, and one inadvertent collective pitch lever unlocking occurred 
during engine start. To address this unsafe condition, Eurocopter 
issued AS 365 Alert Telex No. 67.00.10, SA 366 Alert Telex No. 67.05, 
and EC 155 Alert Telex No. 67A007, which describe procedures to inspect 
the collective pitch lever for correct locking and unlocking 
conditions. This inspection was mandated by Direction 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) France AD No. F-
2005-127, dated July 20, 2005. DGAC subsequently revised its AD, No. F-
2005-127 R1, dated February 1, 2006 (DGAC AD F-2005-127 R1), after 
Eurocopter issued Alert Service Bulletins containing the same 
inspection procedures and bearing the same numbers as the Alert 
Telexes. Since the issuance of DGAC AD F-2005-127 R1 Eurocopter 
developed an assembly comprised of a blade, a hinge, and a return 
spring to replace the flexible collective lever locking blade as 
terminating action for the inspection required by the AD. EASA then 
issued AD No. 2011-0154, dated August 22, 2011 (EASA AD 2011-0154), 
which superseded DGAC AD F-2005-127 R1, retaining the inspection 
procedures for the collective pitch lever and removing from the 
applicability helicopters with the hinged, spring-loaded collective 
lever locking blade installed, designated as modification (MOD) 
0767B65.

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

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 67.00.10 
for Model AS365 helicopters, ASB No. 67.05 for Model SA366 helicopters, 
and ASB No. 67A007 for Model EC155 helicopters. All three ASBs are 
Revision 1 and are dated February 25, 2009. These ASBs describe 
procedures for inspecting and adjusting the collective pitch lever for 
correct locking and unlocking conditions.
    Eurocopter has also issued ASB No. 67.00.12, Revision 0, dated 
February 25, 2009, for Model AS365 helicopters; ASB No. 67.07, Revision 
0, dated February 25, 2009, for Model AS366 helicopters; and ASB No. 
67-009, Revision 1, dated July 19, 2010, for Model EC 155 helicopters. 
These ASBs contain the procedures for MOD 0767B65.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require:
     Inspecting the collective pitch lever for correct 
unlocking with a spring scale.
     If the collective pitch lever unlocks outside of the 
correct ``G'' load, adjusting the collective pitch lever restraining 
tab and, for certain models, adjusting the collective link rods.
     Inspecting the collective pitch lever for the risk of 
inadvertent locking by measuring the clearance between the locking pin 
of the collective pitch lever and the L-section of the restraining tab.
     If the clearance between the locking pin of the collective 
pitch lever and the L-section of the restraining tab is incorrect, 
modifying the tab with a slight bend to the tab.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 32 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. Inspecting and adjusting the collective pitch 
lever would require about 1 work hour at an average labor rate of $85 
per hour, for a total cost per helicopter of $85 and a cost to U.S. 
operators of $2,720.

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

[[Page 26714]]

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

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):

Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA-2013-0399; Directorate Identifier 
2011-SW-064-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA-365N1, 
AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters, except helicopters 
with modification (MOD) 0767B5 installed, certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as inadvertent locking and 
unlocking of the collective pitch lever, which could result in 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Reserved

(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

    Within 50 hours time-in-service:
    (1) For Model EC155B and EC155B1 helicopters:
    (i) Lock the collective pitch lever, and using a spring scale, 
measure the load (G) required to unlock the pilot's collective pitch 
lever as depicted in Figure 1, Detail B of Eurocopter Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. 67A007, Revision 1, dated February 25, 2009 (ASB 
67A007).
    (ii) If the collective pitch lever unlocks at a load less than 
11 deca Newtons (daN) (24.7 lbs) or greater than 14 daN (31.5 lbs), 
before further flight, adjust the collective pitch lever restraining 
tab (F) using the oblong holes.
    (iii) Set the collective pitch lever to the ``low pitch'' 
position and hold it in this position, without forcing it downwards.
    (iv) Measure the clearance (J1) between the locking pin of the 
collective pitch lever (C) and the L-section of the restraining tab 
(F) as depicted in Figure 1, Detail A of ASB 67A007.
    (v) If the clearance between the locking pin of the collective 
pitch lever and the L-section of the restraining tab is less than 3 
millimeters (mm), before further flight, remove the restraining tab, 
clamp the restraining tab (F) in a vice with soft jaws, and 
gradually apply a load (H) to ensure a clearance of 3 mm or more, as 
depicted in Figure 1, Detail K of ASB 67A007.
    (2) For Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 
helicopters:
    (i) Completely loosen the friction, lock the collective pitch 
lever, and using a spring scale, measure the load (G) required to 
unlock the pilot's collective pitch lever as depicted in Figure 1, 
Detail B of Eurocopter ASB No. 67.00.10, Revision 1, dated February 
25, 2009 (ASB 67.00.10).
    (ii) If the collective pitch lever unlocks at a load less than 5 
daN (11.3 lbs) or greater than 14 daN (31.5 lbs), before further 
flight, adjust the collective pitch lever restraining tab (F) using 
the oblong holes and adjust the collective link rods as described in 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.4., of ASB 67.00.10.
    (iii) Set the collective pitch lever to the ``low pitch'' 
position and hold it in this position, without forcing it downwards.
    (iv) Tighten the friction lock and measure the clearance (J1) 
between the locking pin of the collective pitch lever (C) and the L-
section of the restraining tab (F) as depicted in Figure 1, Detail A 
of ASB 67.00.10.
    (v) If the clearance between the locking pin of the collective 
pitch lever and the L-section of the restraining tab is less than 3 
mm, before further flight, remove the restraining tab, clamp the 
restraining tab (F) in a vice with soft jaws, and gradually apply a 
load (H) to ensure a clearance of 3 mm or more, as depicted in 
Figure 1, Detail K, of ASB 67.00.10.
    (3) For Model SA-366G1 helicopters:
    (i) Completely loosen the friction, lock the collective pitch 
lever, and using a spring scale, measure the load (G) required to 
unlock the pilot's collective pitch lever as depicted in Figure 1, 
Detail B of Eurocopter ASB No. 67.05, Revision 1, dated February 25, 
2009 (ASB 67.05).
    (ii) If the collective pitch lever unlocks at a load less than 5 
daN (11.3 lbs) or greater than 14 daN (31.5 lbs), before further 
flight, adjust the collective pitch lever restraining tab (F) using 
the oblong holes and adjust the collective link rods as described in 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.4., of ASB 67.05.
    (iii) Set the collective pitch lever to the ``low pitch'' 
position and hold it in this position, without forcing it downwards.
    (iv) Tighten the friction lock and measure the clearance (J1) 
between the locking pin of the collective pitch lever (C) and the L-
section of the restraining tab (F) as depicted in Figure 1, Detail 
A, of ASB 67.05.
    (v) If the clearance between the locking pin of the collective 
pitch lever and the L-section of the restraining tab is less than 3 
mm, before further flight, remove the restraining tab, clamp the 
restraining tab (F) in a vice with soft jaws, and gradually apply a 
load (H) to ensure a clearance of 3 mm or more, as depicted in 
Figure 1, Detail K, of ASB 67.05.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 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.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency AD No. 2011-0154, dated August 22, 2011.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6710: Main Rotor 
Control.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 26, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-10909 Filed 5-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P