[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 101 (Thursday, May 25, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27686-27688]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-12608]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-SW-10-AD; Amendment 39-9240; AD 95-11-06]
Airworthiness Directives; Societe Nationale Industrielle
Aerospatiale and Eurocopter France Model AS-350B, BA, D, B1, and B2
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale and
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter France) Model AS-350B, BA, D, B1, and B2
helicopters. This action requires a check to ensure that the main
gearbox (MGB) oil pressure warning light illuminates during each
shutdown of the helicopter engine until the MGB oil pressure switch
(switch) is removed and replaced. This amendment is prompted by a
malfunction of the MGB switch. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in failure to detect a loss of MGB oil pressure, loss of the
MGB, loss of power to the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective June 9, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 9, 1995.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before July 24, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention:
Rules Docket No. 95-SW-10-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas 76137.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas
75053-4005. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the
Assistant Chief Counsel, 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. Richard Monschke, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5116, fax
(817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile,
which is the airworthiness authority for France, has notified the FAA
that an unsafe condition may exist on Eurocopter France Model AS-350B,
BA, D, B1, and B2 helicopters. The Direction Generale De L'Aviation
Civile advises that a possible malfunction of the MGB switch, part
number (P/N) 704A37-721-082 (S1130-021-082), modification number
350A07-7141, was reported by the manufacturer.
Eurocopter France has issued Eurocopter Service Bulletin AS 350 No.
01.43, Revision 1, dated April 21, 1994, which specifies a check each
time the rotor is stopped to ensure that the MGB oil pressure warning
light illuminates, and removal of the MGB switch, P/N 704A37-721-082
(S1130-021-082), modification number 350A07-7141, and replacement with
an airworthy MGB switch. The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD 94-087-
068(B) in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these
helicopters in France.
These helicopter models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the Direction Generale De L'Aviation
Civile has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The
FAA has examined the findings of the Direction Generale De L'Aviation
Civile, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other Eurocopter France Model AS-350B, BA, D, B1,
and B2 helicopters of the same type design registered in the United
States, this AD is being issued to prevent an undetected loss of MGB
oil pressure, loss of the MGB, loss of power to the main rotor system,
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This AD requires a
check during each shutdown of the helicopter engine to ensure that the
MGB oil pressure warning light illuminates and, removal of the MGB
switch, P/N 704A37-721-082 (S1130-021-082), modification number 350A07-
7141, and replacement with MGB switch, P/N 704A37-721-089 (S1130-021-
089), modification number 350A07-7152, or Jaeger MGB switch, P/N
704A37-721-014 (068651.54/350A32-3134-00), within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD. The owner/operator check does not require
the use of tools, precision measuring equipment, training, pilot
logbook endorsements, or the use of technical data not contained in the
AD. Additionally, this owner/operator check is considered part of the
normal engine shutdown checks. This check may be performed by an owner/
operator holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be
entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in
accordance with sections 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v) of the Federal
Aviation Regulations. An undetected loss of oil pressure could result
in a forced autorotative landing due to loss of power to the main rotor
system. Due to the short compliance time and the criticality of the
failure of the MGB switch to detect a loss of oil pressure, this AD is
being issued immediately. The actions are required to be
[[Page 27687]] accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin
described previously.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 95-SW-10-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR section 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
95-11-06 Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale and Eurocopter
France: Amendment 39-9240. Docket No. 95-SW-10-AD.
Applicability: Model AS-350B, BA, D, B1, and B2 helicopters,
with main gearbox (MGB) oil pressure switch (switch) part number (P/
N) 704A37-721-082 (S1130-021-082), modification number 350A07-7141,
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
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the
authority provided in paragraph (d) 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 of 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 as indicated, unless accomplished
previously. To prevent an undetected loss of MGB oil pressure, loss
of the MGB, loss of power to the main rotor system, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Until the MGB switch installation required by paragraph (c)
of this AD is accomplished, during each shutdown of the helicopter
engine, check to ensure that the MGB oil pressure warning light
illuminates. If it does not illuminate, before further flight,
replace the MGB switch in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD.
(b) The operational check required by paragraph (a) of this AD
may be performed by an owner/operator holding at least a private
pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records
showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR sections
43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
(c) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, remove
the MGB switch, P/N 704A37-721-082 (S1130-021-082), modification
number 350A07-7141, and replace with MGB switch, P/N 704A37-721-089
(S1130-021-089), modification number 350A07-7152, or Jaeger MGB
switch, P/N 704A37-721-014 (068651.54/350A32-3134-00) in accordance
with paragraph CC (1) of Eurocopter Service Bulletin AS-350, No.
01.43, Revision 1, dated April 21, 1994.
Note 2: The MGB switch P/N is engraved on the MGB switch casing.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used when approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, FAA,
Rotorcraft Directorate. 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.
(e) The check, removal, and replacement shall be done in
accordance with Eurocopter Service Bulletin AS-350, No. 01.43,
Revision 1, dated April 21, 1994. 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. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the
Assistant Chief Counsel, 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 June 9, 1995.
[[Page 27688]] Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 17, 1995.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 95-12608 Filed 5-24-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
