Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, and L1 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 220 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62106-62108]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29611]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-SW-78-AD; Amendment 39-11413; AD 99-23-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, and 
L1 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 AS 332C, L, and L1 helicopters, 
that requires a one-time inspection of the length of the main gearbox 
epicyclic module upper casing bearing attachment bolts (attachment 
bolts), and if they exceed a certain length, replacing the epicyclic 
module to preclude a potential interference between the attachment 
bolts and the 2nd stage planet gear cage web. This amendment is 
prompted by a report of interference between the attachment bolts and 
the second stage planet gear cage web of the epicyclic module in the 
main gearbox. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
failure of the second stage planet gear of the main gearbox, loss of 
main rotor drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective December 21, 1999.

[[Page 62107]]

    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 21, 1999.

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, 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: Shep Blackman, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5296, 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 AS 332C, 
L, and L1 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on August 
23, 1999 (64 FR 45929). That action proposed to require a one-time 
inspection of the length of the attachment bolts, and if any exceed 
53mm in length, replacing the epicyclic module.
    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 require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed except for two nonsubstantive changes 
that have been made to paragraph (c) and Note 2 of the AD. In paragraph 
(c), the NPRM incorrectly states that alternative methods of compliance 
(AMOC) or adjustments of the compliance time may be approved by the 
``Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate.'' This 
is incorrect and has been changed to state that the Manager, 
Regulations Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, is responsible for approving 
any AMOC or adjustment of the compliance time. Note 2 of the NPRM 
states that information concerning the existence of approved AMOC may 
be obtained from the ``Rotorcraft Standards Staff;'' this is also 
incorrect and has been changed to state that information may be 
obtained from the ``Regulations Group.'' 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 1 helicopter of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 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 
$365,235 to replace the epicyclic module, if necessary. The cost of the 
attachment bolts is $11. Based on these figures, the total cost impact 
of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $491, assuming the bolts 
are the correct length and the epicyclic module does not have to be 
replaced.
    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 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 
to read as follows:

AD 99-23-17 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-11413. Docket No. 98-SW-
78-AD.

    Applicability: Model AS 332C, L, and L1 helicopters, with 
epicyclic modules, part number 332A32-2007-00 or -01, with serial 
numbers with the prefix of ``M'', from 100 through 689 or 3000 
through 3048, 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 (c) 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 in paragraph DD of Eurocopter 
Service Bulletin No. 01.41, dated November 1995 (95-11) (SB), unless 
accomplished previously.
    To prevent failure of the second stage planet gear of the main 
gearbox, loss of main rotor drive and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Inspect each main gearbox epicyclic module upper casing 
bearing attachment bolt (attachment bolt) in accordance with 
paragraph CC of the SB.
    (b) If any attachment bolt length is greater than 53mm (2.086 
inches), remove the epicyclic module and replace the epicyclic 
module with an airworthy epicyclic module before further flight.
    (c) 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, Regulations 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, Regulations Group.
    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Regulations Group.
    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.
    (e) The compliance and inspection shall be done in accordance 
with paragraphs CC and DD of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 01.41, 
dated November 1995 (95-11). 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

[[Page 62108]]

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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 21, 1999.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 93-131-051(B)R1, dated 
January 18, 1998.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 2, 1999.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-29611 Filed 11-15-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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