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[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 202 (Wednesday, October 18, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62280-62281]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-26235]

[[Page 62280]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-SW-35-AD; Amendment 39-11929; AD 2000-20-17]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS332C, L, and 
L1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters. This AD 
requires inspecting the horizontal stabilizer spar tube (spar tube) for 
corrosion, hardness, cracks, and scratches, and if necessary, replacing 
any unairworthy spar tube and bushing with an airworthy spar tube and 
bushing. This amendment is prompted by the loss of a horizontal 
stabilizer in flight due to a spar tube failure. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the spar tube, separation 
of the horizontal stabilizer and impact with the main or tail rotor, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective November 22, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 22, 2000.

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: Jim Grigg, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations Group, Fort Worth, Texas 
76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5490, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) which applied to the ECF Model 
AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on 
July 14, 2000 (65 FR 43720). That action proposed to require inspecting 
any spar tube installed on certain horizontal stabilizers for 
corrosion, hardness, cracks, or scratches. Replacing the spar tube and 
bushing, as necessary, with an airworthy spar tube and bushing was also 
proposed.
    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 3 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 40 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 
$1,000 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,200.
    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

    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:

2000-20-17  Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-11929. Docket No. 99-SW-
35-AD.

    Applicability: Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters with 
horizontal stabilizer spar tube (spar tube), part number (P/N) 
330A13-2024-01, -02, -03, or -04, installed on horizontal 
stabilizer, P/N 332A13-1000-00, -01, -02, -03 or 332A13-1040-00, or 
-01, 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.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the spar tube, separation of the 
horizontal stabilizer and impact with the main or tail rotor, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) For helicopters on which the spar tube composite bushing 
(bushing), P/N 330A13-2024-31, has been replaced and since 
replacement has accumulated:
    (1) Less than 1400 hours time-in-service (TIS) or less than 30 
calendar months:
    (i) Prior to accumulating 1600 hours TIS or 32 calendar months, 
whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
(NTE) 3000 hours TIS or 72 calendar months, whichever occurs first, 
inspect the spar tube in accordance with (IAW) the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of Eurocopter France 
Service Bulletin No. 01.00.57, Revision 1, dated November 24, 1999 
(SB).
    (A) If the spar tube passes the hardness inspection of paragraph 
2.B.1.1 of the SB and the scratch, corrosion, and crack inspection 
of paragraph 2.B.2. of the SB, replace the bushing with a new 
bushing, before further flight.
    (B) If the spar tube fails either the hardness inspection of 
paragraph 2.B.1.1 of the SB or the scratch, corrosion, or crack 
inspection of paragraph 2.B.2. of the SB, replace the spar tube with 
an airworthy spar tube before further flight.

[[Page 62281]]

    (ii) Before installing any replacement spar tube that has 
previously been installed on any helicopter, inspect it IAW the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the 
SB.
    (2) 1400 or more hours TIS or 30 or more calendar months:
    (i) Within 200 hours TIS or 2 calendar months, whichever occurs 
first, and thereafter at intervals NTE 3000 hours TIS or 72 calendar 
months, whichever occurs first, inspect the spar tube IAW the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the 
SB.
    (A) If the spar tube passes the hardness inspection of paragraph 
2.B.1.1 of the SB and the scratch, corrosion, and crack inspection 
of paragraph 2.B.2 of the SB, replace the bushing with a new bushing 
before further flight.
    (B) If the spar tube fails either the hardness inspection of 
paragraph 2.B.1.1 of the SB or the scratch, corrosion, or crack 
inspection of paragraph 2.B.2 of the SB, replace the spar tube with 
an airworthy spar tube before further flight.
    (ii) Before installing any replacement spar tube that has 
previously been installed on any helicopter, inspect it IAW the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the 
SB.
    (b) For all spar tubes:
    (1) With less than 7500 hours TIS or 144 calendar months since 
original installation:
    (i) Prior to accumulating 7500 hours TIS or 144 calendar months, 
remove the spar tube and inspect IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (ii) After accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) 
of this AD, install an airworthy spar tube before further flight. 
Before installing any replacement spar tube that has been previously 
installed in any helicopter, inspect it IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (2) With 7500 or more hours TIS or 144 or more calendar months 
since original installation:
    (i) Within 500 hours TIS or 12 calendar months, whichever occurs 
first, remove the spar tube and inspect IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (ii) After accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) 
of this AD, install an airworthy spar tube before further flight. 
Before installing any replacement spar tube that has been previously 
installed in any helicopter, inspect it IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (3) After accomplishing the requirements of either paragraph 
(b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, thereafter, at intervals 
NTE 7500 hours TIS or 144 calendar months, whichever occurs first, 
remove the spar tube and inspect IAW the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2. of the SB.
    (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 a 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and 
then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group.

    Note 2: 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 
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 inspections shall be done in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.1.1 and 2.B.2., in 
Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 01.00.57, Revision 1, dated 
November 24, 1999. 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 22, 2000.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 1999-039-073(A)R1, dated 
December 29, 1999.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 29, 2000.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-26235 Filed 10-17-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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