[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 170 (Thursday, September 2, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53857-53859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-21578]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0825; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-072-AD;
Amendment 39-16410; AD 2010-16-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA330J
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-16-51, which was sent
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Eurocopter France
(Eurocopter) Model SA330J helicopters by individual letters. This AD
requires, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting for a gap
between the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan assembly (fan) rotor
blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing. This
inspection must be accomplished by using a feeler gauge attached to a
rigid rod. If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and
the housing, this AD requires replacing the two fan rotor shaft
bearings with two airworthy bearings. This AD is prompted by the
separation of a fan rotor blade that caused puncture holes in the
transmission deck. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to
damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective September 17, 2010, to all persons except those
persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2010-
16-51, issued on July 19, 2010, which contained the requirements of
this amendment.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 17, 2010.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before November 1, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
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 docket that contains the
AD, any comments, and other information 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 Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
located in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building at the
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-4389, fax
(817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 19, 2010, we issued Emergency AD
2010-16-51 for Eurocopter Model SA330J helicopters, which requires,
within 10 hours TIS, inspecting for a gap between the MGB fan rotor
blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing over the
entire width of the blade. The inspection must be accomplished by using
a 0.2 millimeter (mm) (0.008 inch) feeler gauge attached to a rigid
rod. If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the upper blade and
the upper housing, the Emergency AD requires replacing the two fan
rotor shaft bearings with two airworthy bearings. That action was
prompted by a rotor burst of MGB oil fan. Investigation of the incident
has shown that some fan rotor blades struck the upper area of the guide
vane bearing housing of the fan and separated from the rotor, striking
the MGB compartment environment, and punctured holes in the
transmission deck. This interference was due to internal degradation of
the bearings of the fan rotor shaft. This condition, if not corrected,
could lead to fan rotor burst, damage to the hydraulic lines and flight
controls, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, notified us that
an unsafe condition may exist on these helicopter models. EASA advises
of a case of rotor burst of a fan. Investigation has shown that some
fan rotor blades interfered with the upper area of the guide vane
bearing housing of the fan. The blades detached from the rotor,
impacted the MGB compartment environment, and punctured holes in the
transmission deck. This interference was due to internal degradation of
the bearings of
[[Page 53858]]
the fan rotor shaft. EASA states that this condition, if not corrected
could lead to fan rotor burst and possibly result in damage to
hydraulic pipes and flight controls located nearby the MGB cooling fan.
Eurocopter has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.96,
dated July 12, 2010 (EASB), for Model SA330J helicopters and for non-
FAA type-certificated Model SA330Ba, Ca, Ea, L, Jm, S1, and Sm military
helicopters. The EASB specifies checking for a minimum play of 0.2
millimeters (mm) between a fan blade and the guide vane bearing housing
using a locally manufactured tool. The EASB also states that if the
minimum play is not complied with, replace the two bearings of the fan
rotor shaft. EASA classified the EASB as mandatory and issued AD No.
2010-0147-E, dated July 14, 2010, to ensure the continued airworthiness
of these helicopters. This AD differs from EASA Emergency AD No. 2010-
0142-E in that we use the term ``hours time-in-service'' rather than
``flight hours.'' Also, for clarification, we specify inspecting for a
``gap'' rather than checking for ``play.''
This helicopter model is manufactured in France and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the
applicable bilateral agreement, EASA has kept us informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the findings of EASA,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for helicopters of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other Eurocopter Model SA330J helicopters of the same type design,
we issued Emergency AD 2010-16-51 to prevent a rotor burst of the MGB
fan, damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter. The Emergency AD requires, within 10
hours TIS, using a 0.2 mm (0.008 inch) feeler gauge attached to a rigid
rod, inspecting for a gap between a fan rotor blade and the upper
section of the guide vane bearing housing over the entire width of the
blade. If the feeler gauge can be inserted between the blade and the
housing (a gap greater than or equal to 0.2 mm), no further action is
required. If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and
the housing (a gap less than 0.2 mm), replacing the two fan rotor shaft
bearings with two airworthy bearings is required. After installing
airworthy bearings, reinspecting the gap to ensure there is sufficient
clearance between the blade and the housing is also required. The
actions must be accomplished by following specified portions of the
EASB described previously.
The short compliance time involved is required because the
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the
structural integrity and controllability of the helicopter. Therefore,
the actions previously described are required within a very short time
period, and this AD must be issued immediately.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters
issued on July 19, 2010 to all known U.S. owners and operators of
Eurocopter Model SA330J helicopters. These conditions still exist, and
the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to
14 CFR 39.13 to make it effective to all persons.
We estimate that this AD will affect 12 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Each inspection will take approximately 2 work hours.
Replacing both bearings on each helicopter will take approximately 6
work hours. The average labor rate is $85 per work hour. Required parts
will cost approximately $935 per helicopter (2 bearings per
helicopter). Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact
of the AD on U.S. operators to be $19,380 ($1,615 per helicopter,
assuming 1 inspection and replacement of both bearings on each
helicopter).
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0825; Directorate
Identifier 2010-SW-072-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 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
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our
docket Web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment. You
may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).
Regulatory Findings
We have 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
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. See the AD docket to examine the economic evaluation.
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 products identified in this
rulemaking action.
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
[[Page 53859]]
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:
2010-16-51 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-16410. Docket No. FAA-
2010-0825; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-072-AD.
Applicability: Model SA330J helicopters, certificated in any
category.
Compliance: Required as indicated.
To prevent rotor burst of the main gearbox (MGB) oil cooling fan
assembly (fan), damage to the hydraulic lines and flight controls,
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished
previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS,
using a 0.2 millimeter (mm) (0.008 inch) feeler gauge attached to a
rigid rod, inspect for a minimum gap of 0.2 mm between a fan rotor
blade and the upper section of the guide vane bearing housing over
the entire width of the blade as depicted in Figure 1 and as shown
in Figure 2 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
05.96, dated July 12, 2010 (EASB), and by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of the EASB.
(1) If the feeler gauge can be inserted between the blade and
the housing (a gap greater than or equal to 0.2 mm), no further
action is required.
(2) If the feeler gauge cannot be inserted between the blade and
the housing (a gap less than 0.2 mm), before further flight, replace
the two fan rotor shaft bearings, with two airworthy bearings, part
number 704A33651114. Reinspect to ensure compliance with paragraph
(a) of this AD after installing airworthy bearings. Replacing the
two fan rotor shaft bearings does not constitute terminating action
for the inspection requirements of this AD.
(b) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Contact the Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Rao
Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137, telephone (817) 222-4389, fax (817) 222-5961, for information
about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6322:
Main gearbox oil cooler fan.
(d) The inspections shall be done in accordance with the
specified portions of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
No. 05.96, dated July 12, 2010. The Director of the Federal Register
approved this incorporation by reference 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, TX 75053-
4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. 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 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on September 17, 2010, to
all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by Emergency AD 2010-16-51, issued July 19, 2010, which
contained the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 5, 2010.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-21578 Filed 9-1-10; 8:45 am]
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