Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 111 (Tuesday, June 10, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33050-33052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12721]



[[Page 33050]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0938; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-057-AD; 
Amendment 39-17852; AD 2014-11-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously 
Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 
helicopters to require repetitively inspecting frame number (No.) 9 for 
a crack. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in frame No. 9 on 
an AS365 helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a 
crack and prevent loss of structural integrity and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective July 15, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of July 15, 2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; 
telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at 
http://www.airbushelicopters.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 European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) 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: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On November 6, 2013, at 78 FR 66668, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Eurocopter (now Airbus 
Helicopters) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 
helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require, for helicopters that have a 
No. 9 frame that has had any repair or alteration made, within 10 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) and every 110 hours TIS thereafter, inspecting 
the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) frame No. 9 for a crack in the 
areas of the latch support and stretcher support with a 10X or higher 
power magnifying glass. For all other helicopters, the NPRM proposed to 
require the inspection within 110 hours TIS and every 110 hours TIS 
thereafter. If there is a crack, the NPRM proposed to require, before 
further flight, repairing the crack. The proposed requirements were 
intended to detect a crack and prevent loss of structural integrity and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2012-0108-E, dated June 15, 2012 
(AD 2012-0108-E), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for 
Eurocopter Model SA 365 N, SA 365 N1, AS 365 N2, and AS 365 N3 
helicopters with a frame No. 9 installed, if certain ``doublers or 
repairs have been installed.'' EASA advises that a crack discovered 
during the ``T'' inspection of a Model AS365 helicopter started at a 
rivet hole of a doubler installed on the frame No. 9 in accordance with 
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 53.00.42, dated January 31, 
2001. EASA further states that structural alteration of frame No. 9 by 
modifications or repairs can result in fatigue crack initiation under 
normal operational loads. According to EASA, this condition, if not 
corrected, could lead to crack propagation and failure of frame No. 9, 
which would adversely affect the structural integrity of the 
helicopter. For these reasons, AD 2012-0108-E requires repetitive 
inspections of frame No. 9 for a crack in the area of the doubler or 
any repair performed in the area of the latch support and stretcher 
support.
    Since we issued the NPRM, Eurocopter France has changed its name to 
Airbus Helicopters. This AD reflects that change and updates the 
contact information to obtain service documentation.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (78 FR 66668, 
November 6, 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, 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 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 except for the minor change 
previously described. This change is consistent with the intent of the 
proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 66668, November 6, 2013) and will not 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires contacting Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) 
for repair instructions if there is a crack, and this AD does not. This 
AD applies to all Model 365 helicopters, not just those that were 
altered or repaired in accordance with specific Eurocopter 
modifications (MODs).

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter issued one Emergency ASB (EASB) with two numbers: EASB 
No. 05.00.63, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2012, for Model AS365 
helicopters and EASB No. 05.00.30, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2012, for 
Model AS565 helicopters. The EASB applies to helicopters with a frame 
No. 9 that has not been modified by MOD 07 53C17 or MOD 07 53D02, and 
that has had doublers installed or repairs performed in accordance with 
certain service instructions. The EASB describes procedures to inspect 
the frame No. 9 for a crack, and for contacting

[[Page 33051]]

Eurocopter for further procedures if there is a crack.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 37 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, 
inspecting LH and RH frame No. 9 will require about 3 work-hours, for a 
cost per helicopter of $255 and a total cost to U.S. operators of 
$9,435 per inspection cycle. Repairing a cracked frame No. 9 will 
require about 20 work-hours, and required parts will cost about 
$10,000, for a cost per helicopter of $11,700.

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]

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

2014-11-02 Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France): 
Amendment 39-17852; Docket No. FAA-2013-0938; Directorate Identifier 
2012-SW-057-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 
N3 helicopters, certificated in any category.

 (b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in frame number 
(No.) 9, which could result in failure of frame No. 9, loss of 
structural integrity, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 15, 2014.

(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) For helicopters that have any repair or alteration to the 
frame No. 9, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, using a 10X or higher power 
magnifying glass, inspect the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) 
frame No. 9 for a crack in the area of the latch support and 
stretcher support, as depicted in Figure 1 of Eurocopter Emergency 
Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.63, Revision 1, dated June 18, 
2012.
    (2) For all other helicopters, within 110 hours TIS and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, perform the 
inspection in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
    (3) If there is a crack, before further flight, repair the frame 
No. 9. Repairing a frame is not terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of 
this AD.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be issued for up to 10 hours TIS and 
a maximum crack length of 80 mm.

(g) 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, 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) Emergency AD No. 2012-0108-E, dated June 15, 2012. You 
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket number FAA-2013-0938.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5300, Fuselage 
Structure (General).

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.63, 
Revision 1, dated June 18, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.

    Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2):  Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin (EASB) No. 05.00.63, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2012, is 
co-published as one document along with Eurocopter EASB No. 
05.00.30, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2012, which is not incorporated 
by reference.

    (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax 
(972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (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 33052]]

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

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 21, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-12721 Filed 6-9-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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