[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30378-30380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14929]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-SW-22-AD; Amendment 39-10564; AD 98-12-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Formerly
Aerospatiale, Society Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation) Model SA-
365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 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 (Formerly Aerospatiale, Society
Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, SA-
365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters, that requires an inspection of the
transmission deck for cracks; repair of any cracked transmission deck;
and replacement of the transmission deck support beams (support beams)
with redesigned support beams. This amendment is prompted by several
reports of cracks in the transmission deck and support beams. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to detect cracks that reduce
the strength of the main gearbox strut attachment and could result in
failure of the main
[[Page 30379]]
gearbox mounting, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective July 9, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 9, 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. Mike Mathias, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, ASW-111, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, 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 SA-365N, SA-
365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters was published in the Federal
Register on December 3, 1997 (62 FR 63912). That action proposed to
require an inspection of the transmission deck for cracks; repair of
any cracked transmission deck; and replacement of the support beams
with redesigned support beams.
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.
The FAA estimates that 137 helicopters of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 50 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
$5,000 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,096,000.
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 98-12-08 Eurocopter France (Formerly Aerospatiale, Society
Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation): Amendment 39-10564. Docket
No. 96-SW-22-AD.
Applicability: Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1
helicopters, 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. 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 (c) 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 as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect cracks that reduce the strength of the main gearbox
strut attachment and could result in failure of the main gearbox
mounting, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter,
accomplish the following:
(a) For Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters, on or
before attaining 4,000 hours time-in-service (TIS), or within 50
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later; and for Model SA-365N2 helicopters, on or before attaining
2,000 hour TIS, or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later; perform the following:
(1) Inspect the transmission deck for cracks using a dye-
penetrant inspection method, in accordance with paragraph BB of
Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 1995.
If a crack is found in the transmission deck, repair prior to
further flight.
Note 2: A FAA-approved repair solution can be initiated by
contacting the American Eurocopter Technical Support Department,
ATTN: Manager, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.
(2) Replace the currently installed transmission deck support
beams, part numbers (P/N) 365A21-3365-49 and 365A21-3365-CY, with
reinforced transmission deck support beams, P/N 365A21-3365-JE-01
and 365A21-3365-JF-01, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions in Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.36,
Rev. 1, dated December 16, 1996.
(b) After completion of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD,
clean, prime and paint the affected areas of the transmission deck
and the reinforced support beams in accordance with paragraph BB 2A
of Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24,
1995.
(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, 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.
(d) 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.
(e) The inspection and repair or modification, if necessary,
shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in
Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.36, Rev. 1, dated
December 16, 1996, and paragraphs BB and BB 2A of Eurocopter France
Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 1995. This
[[Page 30380]]
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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 9, 1998.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 95-068-017(B) and AD 95-
067-038(B), both dated April 12, 1995.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28, 1998.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-14929 Filed 6-3-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
