Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 P1 and EC135 T1 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 2, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1-2]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-33334]



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Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 1 / Tuesday, January 2, 2001 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 1]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-SW-23-AD; Amendment 39-12062; AD 2000-26-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 
P1 and EC135 T1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC135 P1 and EC135 T1 
helicopters that requires inspecting the hydraulic line shielding hose 
(hose), replacing any unairworthy hose with an airworthy hose, and 
installing a nylon cable tie. This amendment is prompted by the tail 
rotor drive shaft Thomas coupling contacting and chafing the hose that 
shields the fenestron tail rotor hydraulic lines. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent damage to the hose, leaking of 
accumulated hydraulic fluid to an area with an ignition source, 
inflight fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective February 6, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 6, 2001.

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: Richard Monschke, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5116, 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) for ECD Model EC135 P1 and EC135 T1 helicopters was 
published in the Federal Register on September 18, 2000 (65 FR 56273). 
That action proposed to require, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), 
inspecting the hose for damage. If damage is found, replacing the 
unairworthy hose with an airworthy hose within 25 hours TIS was 
proposed. Also proposed was installing a nylon cable tie to increase 
the clearance between the drive shaft and the hose.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 25 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 9.75 work hours 
per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $14,625 assuming 
no parts will be required.
    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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:

2000-26-12  Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-12062. Docket 
No. 2000-SW-23-AD.

    Applicability: Model EC135 P1 and EC135 T1 helicopters, serial 
numbers 0005 through 0094 with hydraulic line shielding hose DN 56 
(hose), part number (P/N) L290M20X1 001, 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 
otherwise 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 request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent damage to the hose, leaking of accumulated hydraulic 
fluid to an area with

[[Page 2]]

an ignition source, inflight fire, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS),
    (1) Inspect the hose in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.A., of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 
EC 135-29A-003, dated February 24, 1999 (ASB). If a damaged hose is 
found, within 25 hours TIS, replace the unairworthy hose with an 
airworthy hose in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 3.B., of the ASB.
    (2) Install a nylon cable tie in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C., of the ASB.
    (b) Inspecting the hose, replacing any unairworthy hose with an 
airworthy hose, and installing a nylon cable tie constitute 
terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
    (c) 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, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and 
then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Regulations Group.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 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.
    (e) The inspection and modification, if necessary, shall be done 
in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. and 
paragraph 3.B, of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin EC 135-29A-003, 
dated February 24, 1999. 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 6, 2001.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 18, 2000.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-33334 Filed 12-29-00; 8:45 am]
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