Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 20, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51048-51050]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19159]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0353; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-029-AD; 
Amendment 39-17545; AD 2013-16-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, 
and EC225LP helicopters to require inspecting for the presence of blind 
holes in the tail gearbox (TGB) attachment fittings, and, if they are 
missing, installing an additional washer under the head of the 
attachment bolt until the attachment fitting is replaced with an 
airworthy attachment fitting. This AD was prompted by the discovery of 
interference between the TGB aft attachment bolt and the structure 
fitting, caused by a manufacturing anomaly that omitted the blind hole 
required for proper fit of the attachment bolt. This condition, if not 
detected and corrected, could result in insufficient tightening of the 
TGB casing, damage to the TGB attachment, cracking under the attachment 
bolt, and loss of the TGB, resulting in loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective September 24, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of September 24, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; 
or at http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
76137.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference 
service information, the foreign authority's AD, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 51049]]

Discussion

    On April 22, 2013, at 78 FR 23686, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Eurocopter Model 
AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, serial 
numbers (S/N) up to and including 2680 and S/N 9000 through 9009. The 
NPRM proposed to require inspecting for the presence of blind holes in 
the TGB attachment fittings, and, if they are missing, installing an 
additional washer under the head of the attachment bolt until the 
attachment fitting is replaced with an airworthy attachment fitting. 
The proposed requirements were intended to prevent insufficient 
tightening of the TGB casing, damage to the TGB attachment, cracking 
under the attachment bolt, and loss of the TGB, resulting in loss of 
control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. F-2007-027, dated January 2, 2008 
(F-2007-027), issued by the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de 
L'Aviation Civile France (DGAC), the aviation authority for France. 
DGAC issued F-2007-027 to correct an unsafe condition for certain 
Eurocopter AS332 series and EC225 LP helicopters. The DGAC advises that 
during a scheduled maintenance check, a helicopter was discovered to 
have interference between the threaded section of the aft attachment 
bolt and the structure fitting. The interference is because of a 
manufacturing anomaly in the fittings that omitted the blind hole for 
bolt clearance in the structure fitting. Interference from this missing 
blind hole does not permit correct axial tightening of the TGB casing, 
even if the correct torque load is applied to the attachment bolt. 
Insufficient tightening of the bolt can damage the TGB attachment and 
initiate a crack under the head of the attachment bolt. This condition, 
if not corrected, could result in loss of the TGB and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 23686, April 
22, 2013).

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with France, DGAC, which is the production 
oversight authority for France, has notified us of the unsafe condition 
described in its AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by the DGAC and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these 
same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB), 
Revision 1, dated January 4, 2008, with four different numbers. EASB 
No. 53.01.58 is for the Model AS332 series helicopters; EASB No. 
53.00.58 is for the Model AS532 series helicopters, which are not FAA 
type certificated; EASB No. 53A012 is for the Model EC225LP helicopter; 
and EASB No. 53A011 is for the Model EC 725AP helicopter, which is not 
FAA type certificated. The EASB specifies inspecting the forward and 
aft attachment fittings for proper depth of the bolt holes. If the bolt 
holes are less than the minimum depth, the EASB specifies checking the 
condition of the bolt. If there are no signs of chafing or contact, the 
EASB calls for adding an additional washer to the bolt and reinstalling 
the bolt in the TGB attachment fitting. If there are signs of chafing 
or contact, the EASB requires replacing the bolt with an airworthy bolt 
and two washers. The DGAC classified this EASB as mandatory and issued 
F-2007-027 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects six helicopters of U.S. registry. 
Based on an average estimated labor cost of $85 per work-hour, we 
estimate the following costs:
    <bullet> Inspecting the TGB for the presence of a blind hole 
requires 0.50 work-hour for a labor cost of about $43. No parts are 
needed, so the cost totals $43 per helicopter, or $258 for the fleet.
    <bullet> Replacing bolts and adding a second washer if needed 
requires 0.50 work-hour for a labor cost of about $43. Parts cost about 
$200 for three replacement bolts and the washers for a total cost of 
$243 per helicopter.
    <bullet> Replacing the TGB attachment fitting with an airworthy 
fitting requires 40 work-hours for a labor cost of $3,400. Parts cost 
about $1,921 for a total cost of $5,321 per helicopter.

Authority for this Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    (4) 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):


[[Page 51050]]


2013-16-07 Eurocopter France Helicopters: Amendment 39-17545; Docket 
No. FAA-2013-0353; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-029-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) models AS332C, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, serial numbers 
(S/N) up to and including 2680 and S/N 9000 through 9009, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as interference between the 
tail gearbox (TGB) attachment bolt and the structure fitting. This 
condition could result in insufficient tightening of the TGB casing, 
damage to the TGB attachment, cracking under the attachment bolt, 
loss of the TGB and consequently, loss of helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 24, 2013.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (1) Inspect the TGB aft attachment fitting to measure the 
dimension for a blind hole as follows:
    (i) Remove the TGB attachment bolt (c) but retain washer (d) as 
depicted in Detail A, Figure 1, of Eurocopter Emergency Alert 
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 53.01.58 and EASB No. 53A012, both 
Revision 1, and both dated January 4, 2008.
    (ii) Use a depth gauge to measure dimension ``x'' between the 
top face of the washer (d) and the bottom of aft fitting (a) as 
depicted in Detail A, Figure 1, of the EASB.
    (2) If the measurement is equal to or greater than 81 mm, then 
the blind hole is present. Install the TGB attachment bolt (c) with 
its washer (d) as depicted in Detail A, Figure 1, of EASB No. 
53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
    (3) If the measurement is less than 81 mm, then the blind hole 
is missing. Inspect the end of the threaded section of bolt (c) for 
chafing or a contact mark, as depicted in Area 1, Figure 1, of the 
EASB.
    (i) If there is no chafing and no contact marks, install bolt 
(c) with washer (d) and additional washer (2) as depicted in Detail 
B, Figure 1, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012.
    (ii) If there is chafing or a contact mark, replace the TGB 
attachment bolt (c) with an airworthy bolt and install with washer 
(d) and additional washer (2) as depicted in Detail B, Figure 1, of 
EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
    (iii) Within the next 825 hours TIS, replace the TGB aft 
attachment fitting with an airworthy attachment fitting.
    (4) Inspect the right and left attachment points of the TGB 
forward attachment to measure the dimension for a blind hole, as 
follows:
    (i) Remove both TGB attachment bolts (c) but retain washers (d), 
as depicted in Detail A, Figure 2, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 
53A012.
    (ii) Use a depth gauge to measure dimension ``x'' between the 
top face of washer (d) and the bottom of forward fitting (b) at the 
right and left attachment points, as depicted in Detail A, Figure 2, 
of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012.
    (5) If both measurements are equal to or greater than 81 mm, 
then the blind hole is present. Install TGB attachment bolt (c) with 
its washer (d), as depicted in Detail A, Figure 2, of EASB No. 
53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
    (6) If one or both measurements are less than 81 mm, then the 
blind hole is missing. Inspect the end of the threaded section of 
each bolt (c) for chafing or a contact mark, as depicted in Area 1, 
Figure 2 of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012.
    (i) If there is no chafing and no contact marks, for each 
attachment point, install bolt (c) with washer (d) and additional 
washer (2), as depicted in Detail B, Figure 2, of EASB No. 53.01.58 
or No. 53A012.
    (ii) If there is chafing or a contact mark, replace each the TGB 
attachment bolt (c) with an airworthy bolt and install bolt (1) with 
washer (d) and additional washer (2), as depicted in Detail B, 
Figure 2, of EASB No. 53.01.58 or No. 53A012. Lock with lockwire.
    (iii) Within the next 825 hours TIS, replace the TGB forward 
attachment fitting with an airworthy attachment fitting.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in the Direction 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de L'Aviation Civile (DGAC) France AD No F-
2007-027, dated January 2, 2008. You may view the DGAC AD in the AD 
Docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor 
Gearbox.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Eurocopter EASB No. 53.01.58, Revision 1, dated January 4, 
2008.
    (ii) Eurocopter EASB No. 53A012, Revision 1, dated January 4, 
2008.

    Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2):  Eurocopter EASB No. 53.01.58 and 
No. 53A012, both Revision 1, and both dated January 4, 2008, are co-
published as one document along with Eurocopter EASB No. 53.00.58 
and No. 53A011, also both Revision 1, and both dated January 4, 
2008, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.

    (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, 
contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax 
(972) 641-3775; or at http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub.
    (4) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference in the AD Docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 31, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19159 Filed 8-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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