Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS-365N3 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 149 (Thursday, August 2, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40109-40110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-18972]



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Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 149 / Thursday, August 2, 2001 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 40109]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-SW-03-AD; Amendment 39-12354; AD 2001-15-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS-365N3 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS-365N3 helicopters that requires 
modifying the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) software 
within 90 days after the effective date of this AD. This amendment is 
prompted by a design problem in the FADEC ``power loss printed circuit 
board'' software found during laboratory testing. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent loss of the FADEC one-engine-
inoperative power and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective September 6, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 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: Carroll Wright, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations Group, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5120, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD for ECF Model 
AS-365N3 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on May 9, 
2001 (66 FR 23632). That action proposed to require modifying the FADEC 
software and wiring within 90 days after the effective date of the AD.
    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 1 helicopter of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD and that it will take approximately 17 work hours 
per helicopter to modify the wiring. The average labor rate is $60 per 
work hour. The FADEC software modification has an estimated turbomeca 
labor charge of $1200. The manufacturer has stated that the wiring kits 
will be furnished at no cost. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2220.
    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:

2001-15-19  Eurocopter France:
    Amendment 39-12354. Docket No. 2001-SW-03-AD.

    Applicability: Model AS-365N3 helicopters, 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 (b) 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: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, 
unless previously accomplished.
    To prevent loss of the Full Authority Digital Engine Control 
(FADEC) one-engine-inoperative power and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Modify the FADEC software in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin 
No. 71.00.13, Revision 1, dated October 17, 2000 (except this AD 
does not

[[Page 40110]]

require contact with the manufacturer as specified in the caution 
statement in paragraph 2.B. and the Note I in paragraph 2.B.2.).
    (b) 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.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin 
No. 71.00.13, Revision 1, dated October 17, 2000. 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 6, 2001.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD Nos. 2000-517-051(A) and 
1998-517-048(A) R2, both dated December 13, 2000; 1998-517-048(A) 
R1, dated April 5, 2000; and 1998-517-048(A), dated January 13, 
1999.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 23, 2001.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-18972 Filed 8-1-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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