[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 143 (Tuesday, July 27, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43801-43803]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17757]
[[Page 43801]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0721; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-56-AD;
Amendment 39-16370; AD 2010-15-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model EC225LP
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 the
specified ECF Model EC225LP helicopters. This AD results from a
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the
aviation authority of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which
is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community.
The MCAI AD states there have been a ``few'' reports of cracks and
failure of the main rotor hub (MRH) cone restrainer support lugs at
their attachment points on the reinforcement ring where the dome
fairing is secured. Also, cracks on the dome fairing support have been
reported. Failure of the cone restrainer support or the dome fairing
support attachment lugs may lead to loss of the dome fairing, damage to
the rotor blades, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 11, 2010.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 11, 2010.
We must receive comments on this AD by September 27, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting your
comments electronically.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
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.
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.
You may get the service information identified in this AD from
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com.
Examining the 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 stated in the
ADDRESSES section of this AD. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach,
ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations
and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137,
telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA AD 2009-0024, dated February 20,
2009, to correct an unsafe condition for the Eurocopter Model EC225LP
helicopters.
The MCAI AD states there have been a ``few'' reports of cracks and
failure of the MRH cone restrainer support lugs in the area of their
attachment points on the reinforcement ring where the dome fairing is
secured. Also, cracks on the dome fairing support have been reported.
Failure of the cone restrainer support or the dome fairing support
attachment lugs may lead to loss of the dome fairing, damage to the
rotor blades, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter or
injury to persons on the ground.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI AD and any
related service information in the AD docket.
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB)
No. 05A003, Revision 2, dated February 3, 2009 (EASB No. 05A003) for
two different helicopters: the Model EC225LP and the military Model
EC725AP, a non-FAA type certificated helicopter. Eurocopter has also
issued EASB No. 62-007, dated July 10, 2009 (SB 62-007), which
corresponds to MOD 0743718. EASB 05A003 specifies checking the MRH in
the area of the cone restrainer support attachment lugs and the dome
fairing support attachment lugs for a crack. If a crack is found in one
of the five lugs of the cone restrainer support or the dome fairing
support, the EASB specifies complying with SB 62-007 before further
flight. SB 62-007 specifies modifying the MRH by replacing the cone
restrainer support and the dome fairing support, reidentifying those
parts and balancing the main rotor blades if they were removed. The
actions described in the MCAI AD are intended to correct the unsafe
condition identified in the service information.
FAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination
This helicopter has been approved by the aviation authority of
France and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, their Technical Agent, has
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI AD. We are
issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA
and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of this same type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD
We do not specify dates because the dates have already passed nor
do we specify the compliance time in days but rather only in hours
time-in-service (TIS). We also use a different compliance time. Also,
we use inspect rather than check when referring to an action required
by a mechanic as opposed to a pilot.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 4 helicopters of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 30 work-hours per
helicopter to inspect and modify the MRH. The average labor rate is $85
per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $18,981 per helicopter.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators will be $86,124, assuming a crack is found in each MRH cone
restrainer support or dome fairing support attachment lugs.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this
[[Page 43802]]
AD. We find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of the short
compliance time of 15 hours TIS to conduct the inspection for a crack
in the attachment lugs. Failure of these lugs could result in loss of
control of the helicopter. Therefore, we have determined that notice
and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists 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. However, we invite you to send us any written data, views, or
arguments concerning this AD. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section of this AD. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-
0721; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-56-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 product(s) 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.
Therefore, 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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new Airworthiness
Directive (AD):
2010-15-04 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-16370. Docket No. FAA-
2010-0721; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-57-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective on August 11, 2010.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model EC225LP helicopters, except those
that have been modified with MOD 0743718, certificated in any
category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD
states there have been a ``few'' reports of cracks and failure of
the main rotor hub (MRH) cone restrainer support lugs at their
attachment points on the reinforcement ring where the dome fairing
is secured. Also, cracks on the dome fairing support have been
reported. Failure of the cone restrainer support or the dome fairing
support attachment lugs may lead to loss of the dome fairing, damage
to the rotor blades, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Required as indicated:
(1) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless already done,
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 hours TIS, visually
inspect for a crack in the area of the attachment points on the MRH
reinforcement ring of the lugs securing the cone restrainer support
and also of the lugs securing the dome fairing support as depicted
in Figures 1 and 2 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
No. 05A003, Revision 2, dated February 3, 2009 (EASB No. 05A003) and
by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1, of
EASB No. 05A003.
Note: The one EASB No. 05A003 applies to two different model
helicopters: Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters that are type-
certificated in the United States and Eurocopter Model EC725AP
military helicopters that are not type-certificated in the United
States.
(2) If a crack is found in the area of any of the lugs of the
cone restrainer support or the dome fairing support, as depicted in
Figures 1 and 2 of EASB No. 05A003, before further flight, modify
the MRH by replacing both the cone restrainer support and the dome
fairing support assembly by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1. and 2.B.2., reidentify the cone
restrainer support and dome fairing assembly by following paragraph
2.D., and if removed, track and balance the main rotor blades by
following paragraph 3.B.3. of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 62-
007, Revision 1, dated July 10, 2009.
(f) Replacing and reidentifying both the cone restrainer support
and the dome fairing support assembly in accordance with paragraph
(e)(2) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the
requirements of this AD.
Differences Between this AD and the MCAI AD
(g) We do not specify dates because the dates are already passed
nor do we specify the time in days but rather only in hours TIS. We
also use a different initial compliance time. Also, we use inspect
rather than check when referring to an action required by a mechanic
as opposed to a pilot.
Other Information
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Gary Roach,
ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5130, fax (817) 222-5961, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
[[Page 43803]]
(i) A special flight permit may be issued to ferry the
helicopter to a location where the modification can be done,
provided the dome fairing and its attachment screws are removed.
When allowing flight with the dome fairing removed, the special
flight permit must contain information that alerts the flight crew
that when flying without the dome fairing, the lateral vibrations of
the helicopter significantly increase at speeds of 70 to 120 knots.
These lateral vibrations do not affect flight safety.
Related Information
(j) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive No. 2009-0024, dated February 20, 2009, contains related
information.
Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code
(k) The JASC Code is 6220: Main Rotor Head.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use the specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A003, Revision 2, dated February 3,
2009, and Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 62-007, Revision 1, dated
July 10, 2009, to do the actions required.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX
75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at
http://www.eurocopter.com.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas,
76137; 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 to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 13, 2010.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-17757 Filed 7-26-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P