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

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 20, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15621-15623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6284]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-SW-30-AD; Amendment 39-12043; AD 2000-25-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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[[Page 15622]]

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, 
and D; and AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters. That AD currently 
requires inspecting the main gearbox suspension bi-directional cross 
beam (cross beam) for cracks, replacing the cross beam if a crack is 
found, and adding time intervals for repetitive dye-penetrant 
inspections on cross beams with 5,000 or more hours time-in-service 
(TIS). This amendment requires the same inspections as the existing AD 
but would delete repetitive dye-penetrant inspections on cross beams 
with 5,000 or more hours TIS. This amendment is prompted by the 
discovery that repetitive dye-penetrant inspections were erroneously 
required in the existing AD. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent failure of the cross beam that could lead to 
rotation of the main gearbox, severe vibrations, and a subsequent 
forced landing.

DATES: Effective April 24, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 24, 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: Jim Grigg, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations Group, Fort Worth, Texas 
76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5490, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2000-10-10, 
Amendment 39-11734 (65 FR 32016, May 22, 2000), which applies to ECF 
Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, and D; and AS-355E, F, F1, F2, and N 
helicopters, was published in the Federal Register on September 11, 
2000 (65 FR 54823). That action proposed to require visually inspecting 
and dye-penetrant inspecting the cross beam for cracks and replacing 
the cross beam if a crack is found.
    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 454 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.5 work hour to 
accomplish each visual inspection, with an estimated average of 150 
visual inspections, 3 work hours to accomplish a dye-penetrant 
inspection, and 6 work hours to replace the cross beam, if necessary, 
per helicopter. Required parts will cost approximately $6,000 per cross 
beam. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $5,012,160 to perform 150 visual 
inspections, one dye-penetrant inspection, and to replace one cross 
beam on all 454 helicopters.
    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 removing Amendment 39-11734 (65 FR 
32016, May 22, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
Amendment 39-12043, to read as follows:

2000-25-08  Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-12043. Docket No. 2000-
SW-30-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-10-10, Amendment 39-11734, Docket No. 
99-SW-39-AD.

    Applicability: Model AS-350B, BA, B1, B2, and D; and 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 
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 (e) 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 failure of the cross beam that could lead to rotation 
of the main gearbox, 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, whichever occurs first:

    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, whichever occurs first, 
visually inspect the cross beam for a crack 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, remove the cross beam and replace it 
with an airworthy cross beam.
    (b) For cross beams having 5,000 or more hours TIS:

[[Page 15623]]

    (1) Within 550 hours TIS or 2,750 operating cycles, whichever 
occurs first, 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, 1997.
    (2) If a crack is found, remove the cross beam and replace it 
with an airworthy cross beam.
    (c) Before installing any replacement cross beams, regardless of 
TIS or operating cycles, inspect the replacement cross beam in 
accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this AD.
    (d) Modifying the helicopter 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, Regulations Group, 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, Regulations Group.

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

    (f) 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.
    (g) The visual and dye-penetrant inspections shall be done in 
accordance with paragraphs 2.B.1) and 2.B.2) of Eurocopter France 
Service Bulletin No. 05.00.28 or No. 05.00.29, as applicable. Both 
service bulletins are 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 April 24, 2001.

    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 December 7, 2000.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-6284 Filed 3-19-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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