[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 227 (Monday, November 25, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 70242-70244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28188]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0984; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-022-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 (Eurocopter) France Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed 
AD would require measuring the operating load of the cockpit fuel shut-
off controls and replacing the tangential gearbox if the operating load 
threshold is exceeded. This proposed AD is prompted by the jamming of 
the left-hand (LH) side of the fuel shut-off and general cut-off 
controls (controls). The proposed actions are intended to prevent the 
jamming of the controls so that a pilot can shut down an engine during 
an engine fire or during an emergency landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 24, 
2014.

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 European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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.
    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: James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, 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.

[[Page 70243]]

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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013-0098-E, dated April 24, 
2013, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model EC225LP 
helicopters with tangential gearboxes, part number (P/N) 200181 or 
Eurocopter P/N 704A34112012. EASA advises that during maintenance on a 
helicopter, the LH side of the cockpit's emergency shutdown controls 
were reported jammed, making it impossible to operate the LH fuel shut-
off and the general cut-out handles. ``This condition, if not detected 
and corrected, could lead to failure to manually operate the helicopter 
emergency shutdown controls during emergency landing or fire 
condition,'' EASA states. To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD No. 
2013-0098-E requires an operating load check of the two cockpit fuel 
shut-off handles and, depending on findings, lubrication and/or 
replacement of the two tangential gearboxes.

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 proposing 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.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
76A001, Revision 0, dated April 22, 2013, for the Model EC225LP civil 
helicopter and the Model EC725 military helicopter to notify its 
operators that during a scheduled inspection of the fuel shut-off 
controls, a mechanic noticed that one of the shut-off controls jammed. 
This jamming made maneuvering the fuel shut-off and the general cut-out 
controls impossible. After an investigation, Eurocopter determined that 
the jamming originated in the tangential gearbox installed on this 
control. Traces of corrosion were observed on the internal bearings of 
the LH tangential gearbox, Eurocopter reported. The jamming of the fuel 
cut-off control prevents the engine input fuel valve and the engine 
compartment ventilation flap from closing and prevents the activation 
of the general cut-out control.
    Eurocopter consequently called for a mandatory ``check'' of the 
fuel shut-off valve maneuvering loads, lubricating the tangential 
gearbox bearings, and depending on the load measurement, replacing the 
tangential gearbox.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require:
     Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 7 days, whichever 
occurs first, measuring the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-
off control.
     If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb), 
before further flight, lubricating each tangential gearbox and 
measuring the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control.
     If the operating load is less than or equal to 3 daN (6.74 
ft-lb), within 6 months, lubricating the tangential gearbox.
     If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb) 
after lubricating the tangential gearbox, replacing the affected 
tangential gearbox before the next flight.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires differing compliance times based on when the 
helicopter's original Certificate of Airworthiness or Export 
Certificate of Airworthiness was issued. This proposed AD makes no 
distinction regarding compliance times because there are only 4 
affected aircraft on the U.S. registry.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 4 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs would average $85 a work-hour. Based 
on these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Measuring the operating load of the two cockpit fuel shut-
off controls would require .25 work-hours for a labor cost of about 
$21, or $84 for the U.S. fleet. No parts would be needed.
     Lubricating the tangential gearbox would require 4 work-
hours. The cost of consumable materials would be minimal for a total 
cost of $340 per helicopter.
     Replacing the tangential gearbox would require 4 work-
hours for a labor cost of $340. Parts would cost $4,943 for a total 
cost of $5,283 per helicopter.

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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 70244]]


    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 HELICOPTERS: Docket No. FAA-2013-0984; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-SW-022-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC225LP 
helicopters with a tangential gearbox, part number (P/N) 200181 or 
704A34112012, installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as the jamming of the fuel 
shut-off and the general cut-off controls. This condition could 
prevent a pilot from shutting down an engine during an engine fire 
or emergency landing.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 24, 2014.

(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) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 7 days, whichever 
occurs first, measure the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-
off control.
    (i) If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb), 
before further flight, lubricate each tangential gearbox and measure 
the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control.
    (ii) If the operating load is less than or equal to 3 daN (6.74 
ft-lb), within 6 months, lubricate each tangential gearbox and 
measure the operating load of each cockpit fuel shut-off control.
    (iii) If the operating load is more than 3 daN (6.74 ft-lb) 
after lubricating the tangential gearbox, replace the affected 
tangential gearbox before the next flight.
    (2) Before installing a tangential gearbox, P/N 200181 or 
704A34112012, lubricate the upper and lower bearings.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, 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) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 76A001, 
Revision 0, dated April 22, 2013, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. For service information, 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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-0098-E, dated April 24, 2013. You 
may view the EASA AD in the AD Docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Engine Controls, 
7600.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 7, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-28188 Filed 11-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P