Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 5, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6584-6586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-1701]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0100; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-41-AD; 
Amendment 39-15356; AD 2008-03-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2 helicopters. This AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Technical 
Agent of France, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in 
the MCAI:

    A borescope inspection during scheduled maintenance revealed 
wear on the internal skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 
41918001, that had been installed on a Eurocopter AS 332 L2 
helicopter. The plunger tube end is fitted with a metal end-fitting 
that presses against the internal surface of the cylinder due to its 
installation horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations generated 
by helicopter operation are therefore causing such wear, which may 
result in a drop of internal pressure of the cylinder. This internal 
damage, if not corrected, could lead to functional failure of the 
cylinder, making the life raft inflation no longer possible.

This AD requires actions that are intended to address the failure of a 
life raft to inflate during an emergency landing on water (ditching), 
which could result in loss of the crew and passengers.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on February 20, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated July 
31, 2007, as of February 20, 2008.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 7, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.

[[Page 6585]]

    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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 economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Streamlined Issuance of AD

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt 
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce 
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD 
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure 
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our 
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct 
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated helicopters.
    This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we 
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe 
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this 
reason might not follow our plain language principles.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD No. 2007-0244, dated September 4, 2007 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
helicopters. The MCAI states:

    A borescope inspection during scheduled maintenance revealed 
wear on the internal skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 
41918001, that had been installed on a Eurocopter AS 332 L2 
helicopter. The plunger tube end is fitted with a metal end-fitting 
that presses against the internal surface of the cylinder due to its 
installation horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations generated 
by helicopter operation are therefore causing such wear, which may 
result in a drop of internal pressure of the cylinder. This internal 
damage, if not corrected, could lead to functional failure of the 
cylinder, making the life raft inflation no longer possible.
    Pending the development of a modification to the inflation 
cylinder, this AD requires identification of all affected cylinders 
and the removal from service of those that have accumulated 2,500 
Flight Hours (FH) or more since installation or since overhaul.

Relevant Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated 
July 31, 2007. The actions described in the MCAI are intended to 
correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in the service 
information.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This helicopter has been approved by the aviation authority of the 
Member States of the European Community, and is approved for operation 
in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this 
State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI and the service information. We are 
issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other helicopters of the same type design.
    There are no helicopters of this type currently registered in the 
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the 
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are 
placed on the U.S. Registry in the future.

Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. We have limited the 
``Applicability'' section of our AD to those helicopters type 
certificated in the United States. We also changed ``flight hours'' to 
``hours time-in-service.'' In making these small changes, we do not 
intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the 
MCAI and related service information. These differences are highlighted 
in the ``Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI'' section in the 
AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no domestic operators of these 
helicopters, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing 
this AD are unnecessary, and this amendment can be made effective in 
less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0100; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-SW-41-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are no costs of compliance since there are no helicopters of 
this type design on the U.S. Registry.

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 products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

[[Page 6586]]

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that 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 this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 AD:

2008-03-07 Eurocopter: Amendment 39-15356. Docket No. FAA-2008-0100; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-41-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 
20, 2008.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS 332 L2, with Life 
Raft, part number (P/N) 00051047 or P/N 00051048, that has a Life 
Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 41918001, installed, certificated in 
any category.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    A borescope inspection during scheduled maintenance revealed 
wear on the internal skin of a Life Raft Inflation Cylinder, P/N 
41918001, that had been installed on a Eurocopter AS 332 L2 
helicopter. The plunger tube end is fitted with a metal end-fitting 
that presses against the internal surface of the cylinder due to its 
installation horizontally aboard the aircraft. Vibrations generated 
by helicopter operation are therefore causing such wear, which may 
result in a drop of internal pressure of the cylinder. This internal 
damage, if not corrected, could lead to functional failure of the 
cylinder, making the life raft inflation no longer possible.
    Pending the development of a modification to the inflation 
cylinder, this AD requires identification of all affected cylinders 
and the removal from service of those that have accumulated 2,500 
Flight Hours (FH) or more since installation or since overhaul.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, remove each life raft inflation cylinder, 
P/N 41918001, that has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since 
first installation or since last overhaul, whichever is later, in 
accordance with Appendix 1, paragraph 3.1., of Eurocopter Alert 
Service Bulletin No. 05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007 (ASB), and 
replace it with an airworthy cylinder in accordance with Appendix 1, 
paragraph 3.2 of the ASB.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a life raft inflation cylinder, P/N 41918001, on a helicopter, if 
that cylinder has accumulated or exceeded 2,500 hours TIS since 
first installation or since last overhaul, or if it is older than 3 
years since manufacture and has never been overhauled.

Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI

    (f) This AD does not apply to Model EC 225 LP helicopters as 
does the MCAI because that model helicopter is not type certificated 
in the United States. Additionally, we have changed ``flight hours'' 
to ``hours time-in-service.'' We also clarified the applicable 
paragraphs from the ASB in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

Subject

    (g) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 2564: Life 
Raft.

Other Information

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Send information to ATTN: Uday Garadi, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-
5961.
    (2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAA-approved corrective actions. 
Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved 
by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent) if the 
State of Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement with the 
United States. You are required to assure the product is airworthy 
before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (i) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0244, dated September 4, 2007 contains 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 
05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51.
    (k) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, 
Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.
    (l) You may review copies of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 05.00.71, dated July 31, 2007, at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas or 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 January 23, 2008.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-1701 Filed 2-4-08; 8:45 am]
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