Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 4, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54380-54383]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20238]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0240; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-060-AD; 
Amendment 39-17565; AD 2013-17-01]
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 AS350 and AS355 helicopters. This 
AD

[[Page 54381]]

requires inspecting the tail rotor control stop screws to determine if 
they are correctly aligned and adjusting the screws if they are 
misaligned. This AD is prompted by the discovery of a loose nut on the 
tail rotor control stop and a misaligned tail rotor control stop screw. 
The actions of this AD are intended to detect a loose nut or a 
misaligned stop screw, which, if not corrected, could limit yaw 
authority, and consequently, result in a loss of helicopter control.

DATES: This AD is effective October 9, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of October 9, 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, the foreign authority's AD, 
any incorporated-by-reference service information, 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: Matt Fuller, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Continued Operational Safety, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone 817-222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On March 14, 2013, at 78 FR 16200, 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 
AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, AS355E, 
AS355F, AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters with an autopilot installed; 
Model AS350B3 helicopters with an autopilot or modification 073252 
installed; and Model AS355N and AS355NP helicopters with an autopilot 
or modification 071908 installed. The NPRM proposed to require 
inspecting the tail rotor control stop screws to determine if they are 
correctly aligned and adjusting the screws if they are misaligned. The 
proposed requirements were intended to detect a loose nut or a 
misaligned stop screw, which, if not corrected, could limit yaw 
authority, and consequently, result in a loss of helicopter control.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2011-0164, dated August 31, 2011, 
issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA 
issued AD No. 2011-0164 to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter 
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, 
AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters with 
either an autopilot or certain modifications installed. EASA advises 
that during take-off with a sling load, the pilot of a Model AS350B3 
helicopter reached one of the yaw stops before its usual position. The 
inspection that followed revealed that a tail rotor control stop nut 
was loose and that the corresponding tail rotor control stop screw was 
``out of adjustment.'' EASA states that this condition, if not detected 
and corrected, ``can lead to the loss of adjustment of the affected 
stop and consequently limit yaw authority, possibly resulting in loss 
of control of the helicopter.''

Comments

    After our NPRM (78 FR 16200, March 14, 2013), was published, we 
received comments from one commenter.

Request

    The commenter suggested that an AD is unnecessary because operators 
should have already tightened the screw.
    We disagree that an AD is not needed. More than one tightening of a 
screw is necessary to correct this unsafe condition. This AD also 
requires monitoring the stop screws through repetitive inspections to 
determine whether a screw has become loose. Without these inspections, 
if a screw becomes loose and is not corrected, yaw authority could be 
limited, resulting in loss of helicopter control.

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, EASA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA, reviewed the relevant information, 
considered the comment received, 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.

Differences Between this AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires contacting Eurocopter under certain 
conditions. This does AD not. The EASA AD applies to Eurocopter Model 
AS350BB helicopters. This AD does not because Model AS350BB does not 
have an FAA type certificate. However, this AD applies to Eurocopter 
Model AS350C and AS350D1 helicopters because they have an FAA type 
certificate and because they have similar tail rotor stop screw 
assemblies as the other applicable helicopter models. The EASA AD does 
not apply to the Model AS350C and AS350D1 helicopters.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action because Eurocopter is 
developing a modification to address the unsafe condition identified in 
this AD. After this modification is developed, approved, and available, 
we might consider additional rulemaking.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-
05.00.64 for Model AS350B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D civil helicopters 
and Model AS350L1 military helicopters, and ASB No. AS355-05.00.59 for 
Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP civil helicopters, both Revision 0 
and both dated August 30, 2011. The ASBs specify inspecting the locking 
of the stop screws and, if warranted, adjusting the stops, marking the 
screw/nut assembly with a red line of paint, and periodically 
inspecting the paint line's alignment on the screw/nut assembly.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 911 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour.

[[Page 54382]]

Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs:
    <bullet> Inspecting the locking of the stop screws takes about a 
0.4 work-hour for a labor cost of about $34 per helicopter and $30,974 
for the U.S. fleet. No parts are needed.
    <bullet> Adjusting the stop screws, if needed, requires about a 0.2 
work-hour for a labor cost of $17. No parts are needed.
    <bullet> Painting the line requires a 0.1 work-hour for a labor 
cost of about $9 per helicopter and $8,199 for the U.S. fleet. No parts 
are needed.

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.


39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

    2013-17-01 Eurocopter France Helicopters: Amendment 39-17565; 
Docket No. FAA-2013-0240; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-060-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following helicopters, certificated in 
any category:
    (1) Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350C, AS350D, 
AS350D1, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters with an 
autopilot installed;
    (2) Model AS350B3 helicopters with an autopilot or modification 
073252 installed; and
    (3) Model AS355N and AS355NP helicopters with an autopilot or 
modification 071908 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a loose nut or 
misaligned tail rotor control stop screw (stop screw). This 
condition could result in limited yaw authority and subsequent loss 
of helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 9, 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

    (1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the locking 
of the stop screws to determine whether the stop screws turn.
    (i) If any stop screw turns, adjust the stop screw.
    (ii) Mark a line of red paint on the screw-nut assembly as 
depicted in Section B-B, Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. AS350-05.00.64 or ASB No. AS355-05.00.59, as 
applicable to your model helicopter. Both ASBs are Revision 0 and 
dated August 30, 2011.
    (2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, 
inspect the stop screws to determine whether the paint lines on the 
screw and the nut are aligned. If the red paint lines are not 
aligned, remove the paint, adjust the stop screw, and mark a new 
line of paint on the screw-nut assembly as depicted in Section B-B, 
Figure 1 of Eurocopter ASB No. AS350-05.00.64 or ASB No. AS355-
05.00.59, as applicable to your model helicopter. Both ASBs are 
Revision 0 and dated August 30, 2011.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    A one-time flight permit may be granted, provided that the pilot 
has full yaw authority before flight.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Continued Operational Safety, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 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.

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2011-0164, dated August 31, 2011. You may view 
the EASA AD in the AD Docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, tail rotor 
control system.

(j) 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 Alert Service Bulletin No. AS350-05.00.64, 
Revision 0, dated August 30, 2011.
    (ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. AS355-05.00.59, 
Revision 0, dated August 30, 2011.
    (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://

[[Page 54383]]

www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 12, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20238 Filed 9-3-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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