Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS-365N2 and N3, SA-365C, C1 and C2, and SA-365N and N1 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 20, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9178-9181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-2849]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0164; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-43-AD; 
Amendment 39-15375; AD 2008-04-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS-365N2 and 
N3, SA-365C, C1 and C2, and SA-365N and N1 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

[[Page 9179]]

Eurocopter Model AS-365N2 and N3, SA-365C, C1 and C2, and SA-365N and 
N1 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 for France, with 
which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI:

    This Emergency Airworthiness Directive is issued following 
several reports of tightening torque loss detected on the main rotor 
hub (MRH)-to-main rotor mast bolted attachment. These findings were 
made on EUROCOPTER-assembled attachments with less than 300 
operating hours.

    A loss of tightening torque on the MRH-to-main rotor mast 
attachment bolt could lead to loss of the main rotor head.
    This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition caused by a loss of tightening torque on the MRH attachment 
bolts.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 6, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 62.00.22 
and No. 65.44, both dated April 10, 2006, as of March 6, 2008.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 21, 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.
    <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: Jim Grigg, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Fort Worth, Texas 
76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5126, 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 products.
    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 an 
MCAI in the form of EASA EAD No. 2006-0084-E, dated April 11, 2006 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for these French-certificated products. The MCAI states:

    This Emergency Airworthiness Directive is issued following 
several reports of tightening torque loss detected on the main rotor 
hub (MRH)-to-main rotor mast bolted attachment. These findings were 
made on EUROCOPTER-assembled attachments with less than 300 
operating hours.
    Misinterpretation of the assembly documentation used by 
EUROCOPTER Marignane may have led to the assembly of these 
attachments with no grease applied to the nut threads, which leads 
to a reduction in the tightening loads.

A loss of tightening torque on the MRH-to-main rotor mast attachment 
bolt could lead to loss of the main rotor head. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI and service information in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 62.00.22, 
applicable to Model AS-365N2 and N3, and SA-365N and N1 helicopters, 
and ASB 65.44, applicable to Model SA-365C, C1, and C2 helicopters, 
both dated April 10, 2006. The actions described in the MCAI are 
intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in 
this service information.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of France, 
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our 
bilateral agreement with this State of Design, 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 products of these same type designs.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. The AD requires ``inspections'' 
rather than ``checks'' of the tightening torque. It also uses the term 
``time-in-service'' rather than ``flying hours''. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI.
    These differences are highlighted in the ``Differences Between the 
FAA AD and the MCAI'' section in the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 36 helicopters of U.S. 
registry and that it will take about 4 work hours per helicopter to 
perform the tightening torque inspections. The average labor rate is 
$80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost 
for this fleet of helicopters to be $11,520, or $320 per helicopter, 
assuming there will not be 4 or more adjacent bolts with torque less 
than 3.2 MdaN.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of a 
discovery of certain MRH attachment bolts with too little tightening 
torque, which could result in loss of the main rotor head, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Therefore, we determined 
that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD 
are impracticable and that good cause exists

[[Page 9180]]

for making this amendment effective in fewer 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-2008-0164; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-SW-43-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.

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.

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.
    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

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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-04-03 Eurocopter: Amendment 39-15375. Docket No. FAA-2008-0164; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-43-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on March 
6, 2008.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model AS-365N2 and N3, SA-365C, C1 and 
C2, SA-365N and N1 helicopters, certificated in any category.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    This Emergency Airworthiness Directive is issued following 
several reports of tightening torque loss detected on the main rotor 
hub (MRH)-to-main rotor mast bolted attachment. These findings were 
made on EUROCOPTER-assembled attachments with less than 300 
operating hours.

    Misinterpretation of the assembly documentation used by 
EUROCOPTER Marignane may have led to the assembly of these 
attachments with no grease applied to the nut threads, which leads 
to a reduction in the tightening loads.

A loss of tightening torque on the MRH-to-main rotor mast attachment 
bolt could lead to loss of the main rotor head.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Inspect the tightening torque of the MRH to main rotor mast 
assembly attachment bolts in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of 
Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 62.00.22, applicable to 
Model AS-365N2 and N3, and SA365N and N1 helicopters, or ASB No. 
65.44, applicable to Model SA-365C, C1, and C2 helicopters, both 
dated April 10, 2006, unless already done:
    (1) On or before reaching 300 hours TIS, for helicopters with 
less than 280 hours time-in-service (TIS); or
    (2) Within 20 hours TIS, for helicopters with 280 or more hours 
TIS.

Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI

    (f) This AD requires ``inspections'' rather than ``checks'' of 
the tightening torque. It also uses the term ``time-in-service'' 
rather than ``flying hours''.

Subject

    (g) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 5220, Main 
Rotor Head.

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: Jim Grigg, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 
Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Fort Worth, Texas 
76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5126, 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) MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2006-
0084-E, dated April 11, 2006, contains related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information specified in 
Table 1 of this AD 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 the service information 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

[[Page 9181]]

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

                                  Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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                 ASB                            Pages                   Revision                   Date
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Eurocopter ASB No. 62.00.22..........  6 through 8............  Revision 0.............  April 10, 2006.
Eurocopter ASB No. 65.44.............  6 through 8............  Revision 0.............  April 10, 2006.
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    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on February 6, 2008.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-2849 Filed 2-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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