Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules 36213 

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. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new AD: 

Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2012–0636; 

Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–037–AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

We must receive comments by August 2, 

2012. 

(b) Affected ADs 

None. 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4– 

601, B4–603, and B4–605R airplanes Model 

A300 F4–605R airplanes, Model A300 C4– 

605R Variant F airplanes, and Model A310– 

204 and –304 airplanes; certificated in any 

category; all serial numbers, powered by 

General Electric (GE) CF6–80C2 series 

engines. 

(d) Subject 

Air Transport Association (ATA) of 

America Code 74: Ignition. 

(e) Reason 

This AD was prompted by reports of two 

single-engine flame-out events during 

inclement weather. We are issuing this AD to 

prevent a long engine restart sequence after 

a non-selection of continuous re-light by the 

crew and a flame-out event of both engines, 

which could result in reduced controllability 

of the airplane, especially at low altitude. 

(f) Compliance 

You are responsible for having the actions 

required by this AD performed within the 

compliance times specified, unless the 

actions have already been done. 

(g) Modification 

Within 6,000 flight hours or 30 months 

after the effective date of this AD, whichever 

occurs later: Modify the airplane by installing 

a shunt of the rotary selector (introducing an 

auto-relight function), in accordance with the 

Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 

Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–74–6003, 

Revision 02, including Appendix 1, dated 

February 9, 2012 (for Model A300 B4–601, 

B4–603, and B4–605R airplanes, Model A300 

F4–605R airplanes, and Model A300 C4– 

605R Variant F airplanes); or Airbus 

Mandatory Service Bulletin A310–74–2003, 

Revision 02, including Appendix 1, dated 

February 9, 2012 (for Model A310–204 and 

–304 airplanes). 

(h) Credit for Previous Actions 

This paragraph provides credit for the 

actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 

if those actions were performed before the 

effective date of this AD using the applicable 

service information specified in paragraphs 

(h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. 

(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 

A300–74–6003, Revision 01, including 

Appendix 1, dated April 1, 2011 (for Model 

A300 B4–601, B4–603, and B4–605R 

airplanes, Model A300 F4–605R, and Model 

A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes). 

(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 

A310–74–2003, Revision 01, including 

Appendix 1, dated April 1, 2011 (for Model 

A310–204 and –304 airplanes). 

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions 

The following provisions also apply to this 

AD: 

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs): The Manager, International 

Branch, ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to 

approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 

using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 

In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your 

request to your principal inspector or local 

Flight Standards District Office, as 

appropriate. If sending information directly 

to the International Branch send it to ATTN: 

Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 

International Branch, ANM–116, Transport 

Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind 

Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057– 

3356; telephone (425) 227–2125; fax (425) 

227–1149. Information may be emailed to: 

9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 

Before using any approved AMOC, notify 

your appropriate principal inspector, or 

lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 

the local flight standards district office/ 

certificate holding district office. The AMOC 

approval letter must specifically reference 

this AD. 

(2) Airworthy Product: For any 

requirement in this AD to obtain corrective 

actions from a manufacturer or other source, 

use these actions if they are FAA-approved. 

Corrective actions are considered FAAapproved if they are approved by the State 

of Design Authority (or their delegated 

agent). You are required to assure the product 

is airworthy before it is returned to service. 

(j) Related Information 

Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness 

Directive 2011–0113, dated June 17, 2011; 

and the service information specified in 

paragraph (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD; for 

related information. 

(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 

A300–74–6003, Revision 02, including 

Appendix 1, dated February 9, 2012. 

(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 

A310–74–2003, Revision 02, including 

Appendix 1, dated February 9, 2012. 

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 

2012. 

Michael Kaszycki, 

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–14798 Filed 6–15–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–0630; Directorate 

Identifier 2011–SW–010–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter 

France Helicopters 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for 

Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters. 

This proposed AD is prompted by an inflight cracking and failure of a center 

windscreen. The proposed actions are 

intended to detect a crack in the 

blending radii of the center windscreen 

to prevent failure of the windscreen, 

injury to the flight crew, and subsequent 

loss of control of the helicopter. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by August 17, 2012. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by 

any of the following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to 

http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

online instructions for sending your 

comments electronically. 

• Fax: 202–493–2251. 

• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. 

Department of Transportation, Docket 

Operations, M–30, West Building 

Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, 

DC 20590–0001. 

• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the 

‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 

5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

Examining the AD 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 proposed 

AD, the economic evaluation, any 

comments received, and other 

information. The street address for the 

Docket Operations Office (telephone 

800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES

section. Comments will be available in 

the AD docket shortly after receipt. 

For service information identified in 

this proposed AD, contact American 

Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum 

Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, 

telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– 

0323, fax (972) 641–3775, or at http:// 

www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may 


TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
36214 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules 

review a copy of the referenced service 

information at the FAA, Office of the 

Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 

2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort 

Worth, Texas 76137. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim 

Grigg, Manager, Safety Management 

Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 

2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 

76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 

jim.grigg@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited 

We invite you to participate in this 

rulemaking by submitting written 

comments, data, or views. We also 

invite comments relating to the 

economic, environmental, energy, or 

federalism impacts that might result 

from adopting the proposals in this 

document. The most helpful comments 

reference a specific portion of the 

proposal, explain the reason for any 

recommended change, and include 

supporting data. To ensure the docket 

does not contain duplicate comments, 

commenters should send only one copy 

of written comments, or if comments are 

filed electronically, commenters should 

submit only one time. 

We will file in the docket all 

comments that we receive, as well as a 

report summarizing each substantive 

public contact with FAA personnel 

concerning this proposed rulemaking. 

Before acting on this proposal, we will 

consider all comments we receive on or 

before the closing date for comments. 

We will consider comments filed after 

the comment period has closed if it is 

possible to do so without incurring 

expense or delay. We may change this 

proposal in light of the comments we 

receive. 

Discussion 

The European Aviation Safety Agency 

(EASA), which is the Technical Agent 

for the Member States of the European 

Union, has issued AD 2010–0258, dated 

December 6, 2010, (AD 2010–0258) to 

correct an unsafe condition for the 

Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters. 

EASA states that it received reports that 

center windscreen panels failed during 

flights. Investigations revealed this 

failure was caused by a crack that 

started in the blending radius between 

the lower and upper sections of the 

windscreen. It states that this condition, 

if not detected and corrected, could 

result in serious injury of the helicopter 

occupants. Consequently, EASA issued 

Emergency AD 2007–0219–E, dated 

August 24, 2007, (AD 2007–0219–E), 

requiring a pre-flight inspection of the 

center windscreen, repair or 

replacement of a cracked windscreen 

(with ones of the same design), and an 

airspeed limitation when in-flight 

distortion of the windscreen had been 

observed. On April 8, 2009, EASA 

approved a modification (MOD 073590) 

for the EC130B4 which incorporates a 

newly designed center windscreen 

panel, part number (P/N) 350A25–9045– 

20, to ‘‘eliminate the possibility of 

centre windshield cracks thus providing 

an alternative terminating action for the 

preflight inspections.’’ 

FAA’s Determination 

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 the 

FAA informed of the situation described 

above. The FAA has examined the 

findings of EASA, reviewed all available 

information, and determined that AD 

action is necessary for products of this 

type design that are certificated for 

operation in the United States. 

We are proposing this AD because we 

evaluated all known relevant 

information and determined that an 

unsafe condition exists and is likely to 

exist or develop on other products of 

this same type design. 

Related Service Information 

We reviewed Eurocopter Emergency 

Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 

05A005 Revision 2, dated November 22, 

2010. The ASB specifies: 

• Performing a visual check of the 

center windscreen before each flight. 

• Replacing any center windscreen 

before resuming flight if a crack is 

detected. 

• If in-flight distortion is found, 

immediately restricting airspeed to 70 

knots or below, and 

Æ If a crack is found, before next 

flight, replacing the windscreen per 

Eurocopter Service Bulletin 56–003, 

dated November 16, 2010, (SB 56–003), 

which describes procedures to perform 

MOD 073590, and 

Æ If no crack is found, affixing an 

airspeed limitation label and within 50 

flying hours or 15 days, whichever is 

earlier, replacing the windscreen per 

MOD 073590. 

• That incorporation of MOD 073590 

is an alternative to the bulletin, 

relieving users of the inspection 

requirements. 

EASA has classified this ASB as 

mandatory and issued AD 2010–0258 to 

ensure the continued airworthiness of 

these helicopters. 

Proposed AD Requirements 

This proposed AD would require: 

• Before each flight, visually checking 

the center windscreen, closely 

examining the blending radii between 

the upper and lower parts of the 

windscreen. An owner/operator (pilot) 

may perform the visual check required 

by this proposed AD and must enter 

compliance with that paragraph into the 

helicopter maintenance records in 

accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)–(4) 

and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform 

this check because it involves only a 

visual check for a crack in the center 

windscreen and can be performed 

equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. 

• If a crack exists in the center 

windscreen panel, or if the windscreen 

distorts during flight, replacing the 

center windscreen panel before further 

flight. 

• Within 12 months of the effective 

date of the proposed AD, unless 

accomplished previously, replacing the 

center windscreen with P/N 

350A259045.20. Replacing the center 

windscreen panel with P/N 

350A259045.20 would constitute 

terminating action for the inspection 

requirements of this proposed AD. The 

proposed actions would be required to 

be accomplished by following specific 

portions of the ASB described 

previously. 

Differences Between This Proposed AD 

and the EASA AD 

The EASA AD imposes flight 

restrictions and replacing the 

windscreen within 50 flight hours or 15 

days, whichever occurs first, if 

distortion of the windscreen is detected 

in-flight. The proposed AD would 

mandate replacing the windscreen 

before further flight if distortion occurs 

during flight. In addition, the proposed 

AD would mandate MOD 073590 and 

replacing the affected windscreen with 

an airworthy windscreen, P/N 350A25– 

9045–20, within 12 months. 

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this proposed AD 

would affect 87 helicopters of U.S. 

registry and that labor costs would 

average $85 per work-hour. Therefore, 

we estimate the following costs to 

comply with this AD: 

• The check of the center windscreen 

before each flight would take about 15 

minutes for a labor cost of $21.25 per 

inspection. No parts would be needed, 

so that the total cost for the U.S. 87- 

helicopter fleet would be about $1,849 

per inspection. 

• Replacing the center windscreen 

would require about 20 work-hours for 


TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules 36215 

a labor cost of $1,700 per helicopter. 

Parts would cost $6,037 for a total cost 

per helicopter of $7,737. 

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. 

Regulatory Findings 

We determined that this proposed AD 

would not have federalism implications 

under Executive Order 13132. This 

proposed AD would 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, I certify 

this proposed 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); 

3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in 

Alaska to the extent that it justifies 

making a regulatory distinction; and 

4. 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 proposed 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. 

The Proposed Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority 

delegated to me by the Administrator, 

the FAA proposes to amend 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. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new Airworthiness 

Directive (AD): 

Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA–2012– 

0630; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW– 

010–AD. 

(a) Applicability 

This AD applies to Eurocopter France 

EC130B4 helicopters with center windscreen 

panel (center windscreen), part number (P/N) 

350A25–9004–00, 350A25–9025–00, or 

350A25–9041–20, certificated in any 

category. 

(b) Unsafe Condition 

This AD defines the unsafe condition as a 

crack in the blending radii of the center 

windscreen, which could lead to failure of 

the center windscreen, injury to the flight 

crew, and subsequent loss of control of the 

helicopter. 

(c) Compliance 

You are responsible for performing each 

action required by this AD within the 

specified compliance time unless it has 

already been accomplished prior to that time. 

(d) Required Actions 

(1) Until the center windscreen is replaced 

with center windscreen P/N 350A25–9045– 

20, before each flight, visually check the 

center windscreen for a crack in the area of 

the blending radii where the front-lower part 

of the center windscreen joins the front 

fuselage as depicted in Figure 1 of this AD. 

This visual check may be performed by the 

owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a 

private pilot certificate, and must be entered 

into the aircraft records showing compliance 

with the AD in accordance with Title 14 

Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 43.9 

(a)(1)–(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The 

record must be maintained as required by 14 

CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. 


TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
36216 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules 

(2) If there is a crack or if a pilot indicates 

that the center windscreen distorted during 

flight, before further flight, replace the center 

windscreen with an airworthy center 

windscreen, P/N 350A25–9045–20, in 

accordance with the Accomplishment 

Instructions, paragraphs 2.B.2.b. through 

2.B.2.b.4. of Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 

56–003, Revision 0, dated November 16, 

2010. 

(3) Within 12 months, replace the center 

windscreen with an airworthy center 

windscreen, P/N 350A25–9045–20, in 

accordance with the instructions contained 

in paragraph (d)(2) of this AD. 

(4) Replacing the center windscreen with 

center windscreen, P/N 350A25–9045–20, 

constitutes terminating action for the 

requirements of this AD. 

(e) Special Flight Permit 

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, provided that: 

(1) No passengers are onboard; 

(2) The time to fly to the location does not 

exceed 10 hours time-in-service; and 

(3) The airspeed does not exceed 70 knots 

indicated air speed (KIAS). 

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOC) 

(1) The Manager, Safety Management 

Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this 

AD. Send your proposal to: Jim Grigg, 

Manager, Safety Management Group, 

Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 

Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 

222–5110; email jim.grigg@faa.gov. 

(2) For operations conducted under a 14 

CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 

14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that 

you notify your principal inspector, or 

lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 

the local flight standards district office or 

certificate holding district office before 

operating any aircraft complying with this 

AD through an AMOC. 

(g) Additional Information 

(1) For service information identified in 

this AD, contact American Eurocopter 

Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 

Prairie, TX 75052, telephone (972) 641–0000 

or (800) 232–0323, fax (972) 641–3775, or at 

http://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You 

may review a copy of the service information 

at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 

Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 

Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. 

(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in 

the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 

AD No. 2010–0258, dated December 6, 2010. 

(h) Subject 

Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) 

Code: 5600, Window/Windshield System. 

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 8, 

2012. 

Kim Smith, 

Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 

Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–14799 Filed 6–15–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–0631; Directorate 

Identifier 2011–SW–021–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter 

France Helicopters 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 


TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALSEP18JN12.006</GPH>