Airworthiness directives: Eurocopter France,

[Federal Register: June 29, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 124)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 35128-35129]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr29jn98-3]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-SW-25-AD; Amendment 39-10635; AD 98-14-01]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, and D, and Model AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, and D, and Model AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, that requires inspections of the main gearbox suspension bi-directional cross-beam (cross-beam) for cracks, and replacement of the cross-beam if a crack is found. This amendment is prompted by several reports of cracks in the cross-beam. The actions specified by this AD are intended to provide a terminating action to prevent failure of the cross-beam that could cause the main gearbox to pivot, resulting in severe vibrations and a subsequent forced landing.

DATES: Effective August 3, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 3, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641- 3527. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike Mathias, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, ASW-111, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Model AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters was published in the Federal Register on March 3, 1998 (63 FR 10349). That action proposed to require visual and dye-penetrant inspections of the cross-beam for cracks, and replacement with an airworthy cross-beam if a crack is found.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comment received.

The commenter states that the applicability of the AD should exclude helicopters that have been modified in accordance with Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 63.00.07, applicable to Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, and D helicopters, and Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 63.00.13, applicable to Model AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, both dated April 7, 1997. The FAA agrees that helicopters having the modifications need not be inspected as prescribed in this AD, and that is why the applicability is limited to those model helicopters that have cross-beam, P/N 350A38-1018-all dash numbers, installed. However, a paragraph has been added stating that installation of cross-beams that have the modifications constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

After careful review of the available data, including the comment noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed with the change described previously. The FAA has determined that this change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

The FAA estimates that 454 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.5 work hour per helicopter to accomplish each visual inspection with an estimated average of 150 visual inspections per helicopter, 3 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the dye-penetrant inspection, and 6 work hours per helicopter to replace the cross-beam, if necessary, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Parts costs will be approximately $6,000 per cross-beam. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,012,160 to perform an average of 150 visual inspections and one dye- penetrant inspection per helicopter, and to replace the cross-beam on all 454 helicopters.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612,

[[Page 35129]]

it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows:

   AD 98-14-01 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-10635. Docket No. 97- SW-25-AD.

   Applicability: Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, and D, and Model AS- 355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with main gearbox suspension bi- directional cross-beam (cross-beam), part number (P/N) 350A38-1018- all dash numbers, installed, certificated in any category.

   Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (e) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

   Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

   To prevent failure of the cross-beam that could lead to rotation of the main gearbox, resulting in severe vibrations and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following:

   (a) For cross-beams having 2,000 or more hours time-in-service (TIS) or 10,000 or more operating cycles:

   Note 2: The Master Service Recommendations and the flight log contain accepted procedures that are used to determine the cumulative operating cycles on the rotorcraft.

   (1) Within 30 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS or 150 operating cycles, visually inspect the cross-beam for cracks in accordance with paragraph 2.B.1) of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.28, applicable to Model AS-350 helicopters, or Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.29, applicable to Model AS-355 helicopters, both dated May 26, 1997.

   (2) If a crack is found as a result of the inspections required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, remove the cross-beam and replace it with an airworthy cross-beam.

   (b) For cross-beams having 5,000 or more hours TIS:

   (1) Within 550 hours TIS or 2,750 operating cycles, whichever occurs first, after compliance with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, perform a dye-penetrant inspection in accordance with paragraph 2.B.2) of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.28, applicable to Model AS-350 helicopters, or Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 05.00.29, applicable to Model AS-355 helicopters, both dated May 26, 1996.

   (2) If a crack is found as a result of the inspections required by paragraphs (b)(1) of this AD, remove the cross-beam and replace it with an airworthy cross-beam.

   (c) Prior to installing any replacement cross-beams, regardless of TIS, inspect the replacement cross-beam in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this AD.

   (d) Accomplishment of the modifications in accordance with paragraph 2.B of the Accomplishment Instructions in Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 63.00.07, applicable to Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, and D helicopters, or Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 63.00.13, applicable to Model AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, both dated April 7, 1997, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

   (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office.

   Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office.

   (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

   (g) The inspections and replacements, if necessary, shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.28, applicable to Model AS-350 helicopters, and Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.29, applicable to Model AS-355 helicopters, both dated May 26, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

   (h) This amendment becomes effective on August 3, 1998.

   Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 96-156-071(B)R1 and AD 96- 155-053(B)R1, both dated June 4, 1997.

   Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 19, 1998. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 98-17178Filed6-26-98; 8:45 am]

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