[Federal Register: October 14, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 198)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 59109-59112]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14oc03-11]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-SW-17-AD; Amendment 39-13330; AD 2003-20-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350B3, SA-
365N, N1, AS-365N2, AS 365N3, and EC 155B Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters that
requires modifying the SIREN cargo hook and inspecting the cargo hook
locking catch (locking catch) for corrosion. This amendment is prompted
by the discovery of internal corrosion on a Siren locking catch that
may weaken the locking catch. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to detect internal corrosion of the locking catch, which can
cause the locking catch to return to an incomplete locking position,
undetectable by the operator, and result in an unexpected cargo load
release.
DATES: Effective November 18, 2003.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 18, 2003.
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: Carroll Wright, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group,
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5120, fax (817) 222-
5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to
include an AD for Eurocopter Model AS 350B3, SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, AS
365N3, and EC 155B helicopters was published in the Federal Register on
April 22, 2003 (68 FR 19757). That action proposed to require modifying
the SIREN cargo hook and inspecting the cargo hook locking catch for
corrosion.
The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on Eurocopter Model AS 350 B3, AS-365N, N1, AS
365N2, AS 365N3, and EC 155 B helicopters fitted with Siren cargo
hooks, part number (P/N) AS-21-5-7. The DGAC advises that corrosion was
discovered on a locking catch, which might lead to untimely load
release.
Eurocopter has issued Alert Telexes No. 05.00.39, for Model AS
350B3 helicopters; No. 05.00.41, for Model AS 365N, N1, AS 365N2, and
AS 365N3 helicopters; and No. 05A002, for Model EC 155B helicopters;
all dated December
[[Page 59110]]
20, 2001, which specify an initial corrosion check, and verification of
Amendment B to prevent any risk of untimely load release due to locking
catch corrosion combined with in-flight vibrations. Amendment B
requires marking a permanent reference line across the rotating bolt
and stationary cover plate for the cargo hook, affixing a placard to
the cover plate, and marking the letter ``B'' on the amendment
identification plate of the release unit and on the equipment log card.
The DGAC classified these alert telexes as mandatory and issued AD No.
2002-044(A), dated January 23, 2002, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these helicopters in France.
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 changing the FAA office name
and revising the cites in proposed paragraph (b) to clarify that an
owner/operator (pilot) may perform all the actions required by
paragraph (a). The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
The action in paragraph (a) of this AD, for cargo hook, P/N AS-21-
5-7, with Amendment B incorporated, may be performed by an owner/
operator (pilot), and must be entered into the helicopter records
showing compliance with that paragraph in accordance with 14 CFR
sections 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v). This AD allows a pilot to perform
these actions because they involve only manipulating the manual cargo
release and checking the reference line for continuity, and can be
performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. For cargo hook, P/N
AS-21-5-7, without Amendment B incorporated, a mechanic must
incorporate Amendment B in accordance with the applicable alert telex.
On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. The
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products,
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. However,
for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we have retained the
language of the NPRM regarding that material.
The FAA estimates that of the 60 helicopters of U.S. registry, 6
helicopters have the Siren cargo hook installed and will be affected by
this AD. The FAA also estimates that it will take approximately 3 work
hours per helicopter to incorporate Amendment B and .25 work hour to
conduct and record the pilot check with 60 pilot checks performed per
year, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts to incorporate Amendment B will cost $4 for each label. Based on
these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $6,504.
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
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
0
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
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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to
read as follows:
2003-20-12 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-13330. Docket No. 2002-
SW-17-AD.
Applicability: Model AS 350B3, SA-365N, N1, AS-365N2, AS 365N3,
and EC 155B helicopters, with an optional Siren load release unit
cargo hook, part number (P/N) AS-21-5-7, 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 (d) 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, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect internal corrosion of the Siren cargo hook locking
catch (locking catch), which can cause the locking catch to return
to an incomplete locking position, undetectable by the operator, and
result in an unexpected cargo load release, accomplish the
following:
(a) For cargo hook, P/N AS-21-5-7, with Amendment B
incorporated, before the first use of the cargo hook on each day
that the cargo hook is used, check for corrosion on the locking
catch as follows. Amendment B has been incorporated if the letter
``B'' is marked on the amendment identification plate of the release
unit of the cargo hook and placard ``G'' is installed on the release
unit cover plate ``D'' and reference line ``B'' is marked over the
nut and cover plate as depicted in Figure 1 of this AD. The
identification plate ``A'' is located on cover plate ``D'', on the
opposite side of the electrical connector. See Figure 1:
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(1) With the cargo hook installed, cycle the red manual release
control lever several times over its travel range.
(2) Return the red manual release control lever to the initial
position.
(3) Determine whether the section of reference line (B) marked
on the bolt (A) and the section of reference line (B) marked on the
cover plate (D) form a straight line.
(i) If the reference line is straight, the cargo hook is
considered airworthy.
(ii) If the reference line is not straight, the cargo hook is
unairworthy and may not be used.
(b) The requirements of paragraph (a) may be performed by an
owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate,
and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance
with that paragraph of this AD in accordance with 14 CFR sections
43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
(c) For cargo hook, P/N AS-21-5-7, without Amendment B, before
the next sling load flight, incorporate Amendment B to the cargo
hook in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
2.A.2.a) and 2.A.2.b), of Eurocopter Alert Telex No. 05.00.39, for
Model AS 350B3 helicopters; No. 05.00.41, for Model SA-365N, N1, AS-
365N2, and AS 365N3 helicopters; and No. 05A002, for Model EC 155B
helicopters; all dated December 20, 2001, as applicable.
(d) 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, Safety Management 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, Safety Management Group.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Safety Management Group.
(e) Special flight permits will not be issued allowing use of
the cargo hook until the requirements of this AD are accomplished.
(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter
Alert Telex No. 05.00.39, for Model AS 350B3 helicopters; No.
05.00.41, for Model SA-365N, N1, (AS-365N, N1) AS-365N2, and AS
365N3 helicopters; and No. 05A002, for Model EC 155B helicopters;
all dated December 20, 2001. 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, 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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on November 18, 2003.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 2002-044(A), dated January
23, 2002.
[[Page 59112]]
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 29, 2003.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-25593 Filed 10-10-03; 8:45 am]
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