[Federal Register: April 14, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 71)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 17879-17880]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap03-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-SW-05-AD; Amendment 39-13116; AD 2003-08-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B3
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 inspecting the ASU No. 2 printed circuit board (PCB) to
determine if the resistor R8 is installed, and if it is not installed,
replacing the PCB with an airworthy PCB with that resistor installed.
This amendment is prompted by the discovery of a PCB without a critical
resistor that polarizes the voltage regulator that regulates electrical
power to a critical warning light, a critical caution light, and the
main rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) signal to the vehicle engine
management display (VEMD). The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent the malfunction of the two critical lights and the
rotor RPM signal to the VEMD, failure of these components to timely
alert the pilot to the associated malfunctions, further helicopter
damage because of these malfunctions, and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
DATES: Effective May 19, 2003.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carroll Wright, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations 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 AS350B3 helicopters was published in
the Federal Register on January 21, 2003 (68 FR 2714). That action
proposed to require, within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting
the ASU No. 2 PCB on helicopters with serial numbers 3062 and earlier
to determine if the resistor R8 is installed, and if it is not
installed, replacing the PCB with an airworthy PCB with resistor R8
installed within 50 hours TIS.
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 AS350B3 helicopters. The DGAC
advises that the absence of a resistor R8 on the ASU No. 2 boards can
lead to a malfunction of the electric circuits supplying the ``BATT.
TEMP.'' red warning light, the ``ENGINE CHIP'' amber caution light, and
the rotor RPM signal output to the VEMD.
Eurocopter has issued Service Bulletin No. 77.00.07, dated March
27, 2000, which specifies checking to determine if the resistor R8 is
installed on the PCB within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) and, if a
resistor R8 is not installed, replacing the PCB with one that has a
resistor R8 installed within 50 hours TIS. The DGAC classified this
service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD No. 2001-319-083(A), dated
July 25, 2001, 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.
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 30 helicopters of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost $1,200. The
manufacturer states in its service bulletin that PCB's will be replaced
free of charge. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $37,800, if a PCB is replaced in
the entire fleet and there is no free replacement by the manufacturer.
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 FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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:
2003-08-05 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-13116. Docket No. 2002-
SW-05-AD.
Applicability: Model AS350B3 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N)
3062 and earlier, 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 (c) 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.
[[Page 17880]]
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent malfunction of the electrical circuits controlling
the ``BATT. TEMP.'' red warning light, the ``ENGINE CHIP'' amber
caution and the rotor revolutions-per-minute (RPM) signal output to
the vehicle engine management display (VEMD), accomplish the
following:
(a) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the ASU No. 2
printed circuit board (PCB), part number SE 03022, to determine if
resistor R8 is installed.
(b) If the resistor R8 is not installed, within 50 hours TIS,
replace the PCB with an airworthy PCB that has a resistor R8
installed.
Note 2: Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 77.00.07, dated March
27, 2000, pertains to the subject of this AD.
(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, Regulations 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, Regulations Group.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Regulations Group.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on May 19, 2003.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 2001-319-083(A), dated
July 25, 2001.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 8, 2003.
Michele M. Owsley,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-9012 Filed 4-11-03; 8:45 am]
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