Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA 330F, G, and J Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 214 (Thursday, November 5, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59696-59697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-29376]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-SW-43-AD; Amendment 39-10867; AD 98-23-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA 330F, G, and 
J Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to Eurocopter France Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters, 
that requires removing and replacing each tail rotor electrical bonding 
braid (bonding braid). This amendment is prompted by an in-service 
report of the failure of a bonding braid. The actions specified by this 
AD are intended to prevent failure of a bonding braid due to fatigue, 
resulting impact with the tail rotor blades, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective December 10, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 10, 1998.

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:
Mr. Robert McCallister, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5121, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model SA 330F, 
G, and J helicopters, was published in the Federal Register on May 7, 
1998 (63 FR 25180). That action proposed to require removal and 
replacement of each tail rotor electrical bonding braid.
    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 required the 
adoption of the rule as proposed, except for non-substantive editorial 
changes. Additionally, the part number as published in the 
Applicability section of the NPRM contained an extra ``0''. This has 
been corrected in this final rule. The FAA has determined that these 
changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor 
increase the scope of the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 2 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$250 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $740.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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

[[Page 59697]]

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 
(AD) to read as follows:

AD 98-23-03  Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-10867. Docket No. 97-
SW-43-AD.

    Applicability: Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters, with tail 
rotor electrical bonding braids (bonding braids), part number (P/N) 
332A031.1276.00, installed, certificated in any category, that have 
not been modified in accordance with AMS 332A07-66-003 or AMS 33207-
66-072.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
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 use the authority 
provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the FAA. This 
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration 
eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to 
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required within the next 60 calendar days, unless 
accomplished previously.
    To prevent failure of a bonding braid due to fatigue, resulting 
impact with the tail rotor blades, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Remove the bonding braids, P/N 332A31.1276.00, and replace 
them with airworthy bonding braids, P/N 332A31.1276.01, in 
accordance with paragraphs B and C of the Operating Procedure of 
Eurocopter France Service Bulletin SA 330 No. 65.73 R3, dated June 
22, 1995.
    (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, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 
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, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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 replacement shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter 
France Service Bulletin SA 330 No. 65.73 R3, dated June 22, 1995. 
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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on December 10, 1998.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale L' Aviation Civile (France) AD 95-153-072(B), dated July 
19, 1995.

    Issued in Forth Worth, Texas, on October 27, 1998.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-29376 Filed 11-4-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M

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