Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC 155B, SA-365N and N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 173 (Monday, September 8, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52832-52833]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22619]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-SW-53-AD; Amendment 39-13294; AD 2003-18-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model EC 155B, SA-
365N and N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 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 (Eurocopter) model helicopters that 
requires inspecting the hydraulic brake hose (hose) for crazing, 
pinching, distortion, or leaks at the torque link hinge and replacing 
the hose, if necessary. This amendment also requires inspecting the 
hose and the emergency flotation gear pipe to ensure adequate 
clearance, and adjusting the landing gear leg, if necessary. This 
amendment is prompted by a report of a hose compression due to 
interference with a clamp that attaches the emergency flotation gear 
pipe. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure 
of the hose, resulting in failure of hydraulic pressure to the brakes 
on the affected landing gear wheel, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter during a run-on landing.

DATES: Effective October 14, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 14, 2003.

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: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Fort Worth, Texas 
76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for Eurocopter Model EC 155B, SA-365N and N1, AS-365N2, 
and AS 365 N3 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on 
April 7, 2003 (68 FR 16735). That action proposed to require, within 
the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting the hose for 
crazing, pinching, distortion, or leaks at the torque link hinge and 
replacing the hose before further flight, if necessary. It also 
proposed to require, at the next 100-hour TIS inspection, inspecting 
the hose and the emergency flotation gear pipe to ensure adequate 
clearance, and adjusting the landing gear leg, if necessary.
    The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on Eurocopter Model EC 155B, SA-365N and N1, AS-
365N2, and AS 365 N3. The DGAC advises of receiving a report of a hose 
compression due to interference with a clamp that attaches the 
emergency flotation gear pipe.
    Eurocopter has issued Alert Telex No. 32.00.09, for Model AS 365N, 
N1, N2, and N3 helicopters, and Alert Telex No. 32A004, for Model EC 
155B helicopters, both dated July 31, 2002. These alert telexes specify 
checks of the condition of the hose, as well as ensuring that there is 
no interference between the hose and the emergency flotation gear pipe 
when the landing gear is retracted. The DGAC classified these alert 
telexes as mandatory and issued AD No. 2002-475-007(A) for Model EC 155 
B helicopters, and AD No. 2002-474-058(A), for Model AS 365 N, N1, N2, 
and N3 helicopters, both dated September 18, 2002, 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

[[Page 52833]]

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.
    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. The 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. However, 
for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we have retained the 
language of the NPRM regarding that material.
    The FAA estimates that 44 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 5 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish the inspection and 5 work hours to replace any 
parts, as necessary, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $459 for the hose. If 
replacing the hose on two sides is required, the cost will be 
approximately $918. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,518 per helicopter, or 
$50,094 for the entire fleet, assuming 75 percent of the fleet (33 
helicopters) is equipped with emergency flotation gear and the hoses 
are replaced on all 33 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

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2003-18-03 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-13294. Docket No. 2002-
SW-53-AD.

    Applicability: Model EC 155B, SA-365N and N1, AS-365N2, and AS 
365 N3 helicopters, with emergency flotation gear 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 (d) 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 hose, resulting in failure of 
hydraulic pressure to the brakes on the affected landing gear wheel 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during a run-on 
landing, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the hose for 
crazing, pinching, distortion, or leaks as illustrated in Area A of 
Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 32.00.09, for Model SA-365N 
and N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, and Alert Telex No. 
32A004, for Model EC 155B helicopters, both dated July 31, 2002 
(Alert Telexes).
    (b) If crazing, pinching, distortion, or leaks exist, replace 
the hose with an airworthy hose before further flight.
    (c) At the next 100-hour TIS inspection, inspect the hose and 
the emergency flotation gear pipe to ensure adequate clearance and 
adjust the landing gear leg, if necessary, in accordance with the 
Operational Procedure, paragraph 2.B.2., of the applicable Alert 
Telexes.
    (d) 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, Safety Management 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, Safety Management Group.

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

    (e) 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.
    (f) The inspections and adjustments, if necessary, shall be done 
in accordance with Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 32.00.09, for Model 
SA-365N and N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters, and Alert Telex 
No. 32A004, for Model EC 155B helicopters, both dated July 31, 2002. 
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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on October 14, 2003.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD No. 2002-475-007(A) and AD 
No. 2002-474-058(A), both dated September 18, 2002.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on August 26, 2003.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-22619 Filed 9-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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