Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA330F, SA330G, SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, and AS332L1 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 179 (Monday, September 16, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58324-58325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-22896]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-SW-66-AD; Amendment 39-12879; AD 2002-18-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA330F, SA330G, 
SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, and AS332L1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters that requires 
inspecting each tail rotor blade de-icing rotating collector 
(collector) for radial play and rotation torque at specified intervals. 
If the play or torque exceeds the specified standard, this AD requires 
replacing the collector with an airworthy part. This amendment is 
prompted by excessive play measured on the collector of an ECF Model 
AS332 helicopter. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent wear of a collector bearing, loss of tail rotor effectiveness, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Effective October 21, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 21, 2002.

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, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5490, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for the specified ECF model helicopters was published in 
the Federal Register on June 7, 2002 (67 FR 39314). That action 
proposed to require inspecting the radial play and the rotational 
torque on the collector initially and at specified intervals. If the 
radial play or the rotational torque exceeds 0.1 millimeter or 3.5 daN, 
respectively, the AD proposed replacing the collector with an airworthy 
part.
    The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on ECF Model SA330 helicopters. The DGAC advises of 
excessive play measured on the collector.
    ECF has issued AS 332 Service Bulletin No. 05.00.45, Revision 1, 
dated August 16, 1999, and SA 330 Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.88, 
dated June 8, 2001. The service bulletins specify checking the 
condition of the bearings and the collector-to-rotor attachment shaft 
at regular intervals, measuring the radial play, measuring the rotation 
torque of the collector, and state the acceptable radial and rotational 
tolerances. The DGAC classified the service bulletins as mandatory and 
issued AD No. 2001-317-082(A), dated July 25, 2001, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France.
    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 this AD will affect 3 helicopters of U.S. 
registry, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per helicopter 
to inspect and replace the collector, and that the average labor rate 
is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $300. 
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $1260 to replace the collectors on the 
entire fleet.
    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

[[Page 58325]]

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:
2002-18-05 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-12879. Docket No. 2001-
SW-66-AD.
    Applicability: Model SA330F, SA330G, SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, and 
AS332L1 helicopters with a tail rotor blade de-icing rotating 
collector (collector), part number (P/N) APCL 110-265-201, 
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 (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 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 6 months, 
whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously, and then at 
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs 
first.
    To prevent wear of a collector bearing, loss of tail rotor 
effectiveness, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Inspect the radial play and the rotation torque of the 
collector in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 2.B., of Eurocopter France AS 332 Service Bulletin No. 
05.00.45, Revision 1, dated August 16, 1999, for the Model AS 332 
helicopters, or Eurocopter France SA 330 Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05.88, dated June 8, 2001, for the Model SA 330 helicopters. If the 
radial play exceeds 0.1 millimeter (0.004 inches) or the rotational 
torque exceeds 3.5 daN (7.9 lbs), before further flight, replace the 
collector with an airworthy part.
    (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 inspection shall be done in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B., of Eurocopter France AS 
332 Service Bulletin No. 05.00.45, Revision 1, dated August 16, 
1999, for the Model AS 332 helicopters, or Eurocopter France SA 330 
Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.88, dated June 8, 2001, for the Model 
SA 330 helicopters. 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction General 
De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD No. 2001-317-082(A), dated July 25, 
2001.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 21, 2002.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 28, 2002.
Eric D. Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-22896 Filed 9-13-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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