31350 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 110 /Tuesday, June 9, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,

DC.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on

July 14, 1998.

Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed

in Direction Generale De L’Aviation Civile

(France) AD 96–095–076(B), dated April 24,

1996.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 29,

1998.

Henry A. Armstrong,

Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft

Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–15199 Filed 6–8–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98–SW–03–AD; Amendment

39–10574; AD 98–12–20]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter

France Model SE3130, SA3180,

SE313B, SA318B, and SA318C

Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a

new airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to Eurocopter France Model

SE3130, SA3180, SE313B, SA318B, and

SA318C helicopters, that requires an

initial and repetitive visual inspections

and modification, if necessary, of the

horizontal stabilizer spar tube (spar

tube). This amendment is prompted by

an in-service report of fatigue cracks

that initiated from corrosion pits. The

actions specified by this AD are

intended to prevent fatigue failure of the

spar tube, separation and impact of the

horizontal stabilizer with the main or

tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control

of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective July 14, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of

certain publications listed in the

regulations is approved by the Director

of the Federal Register as of July 14,

1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information

referenced in this AD may be obtained

from American Eurocopter Corporation,

2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas

75053–4005. 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: Mr.

Richard Monschke, Aerospace Engineer,

FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft

Standards Staff, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,

Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone

(817) 222–5116, fax (817) 222–5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A

proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal

Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to

include an airworthiness directive (AD)

that is applicable to Eurocopter France

Model SE3130, SA3180, SE313B,

SA318B, and SA318C helicopters was

published in the Federal Register on

April 21, 1998 (63 FR 19668). That

action proposed to require an initial and

repetitive visual inspections and

modification, if necessary, of the

horizontal stabilizer spar tube (spar

tube).

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 14 helicopters

of U.S. registry would be affected by this

proposed AD, that it would take

approximately 0.5 work hour per

helicopter to accomplish the inspection

and 3 work hours per helicopter to

accomplish the modification, and that

the average labor rate is $60 per work

hour. Required parts would cost

approximately $1100 per helicopter.

Based on these figures, the total cost

impact of the proposed AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $1310 per

helicopter.

The regulations adopted herein will

not have substantial direct effects 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, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612,

it is determined that this final rule does

not have sufficient federalism

implications to warrant the preparation

of a Federalism Assessment.

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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding a new airworthiness directive to

read as follows:

AD 98–12–20 Eurocopter France:

Amendment 39–10574. Docket No. 98–

SW–03–AD.

Applicability: SE3130, SA3180, SE313B,

SA318B, and SA318C helicopters with

horizontal stabilizer, part number (P/N)

3130–35–60–000, 3130–35–60–000–1, 3130–

35–60–000–2, 3130–35–60–000–3, 3130–35–

60–000–4 or higher dash numbers, installed,

certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter

identified in the preceding applicability

provision, regardless of whether it has been

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 use the authority

provided in paragraph (f) to request approval

from the FAA. This approval may address

either no action, if the current configuration

eliminates the unsafe condition, or different

actions necessary to address the unsafe

condition described in this AD. Such a

request should include an assessment of the

effect of the changed configuration on the

unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no

case does the presence of any modification,

alteration, or repair remove any helicopter

from the applicability of this AD.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless

accomplished previously.

To prevent fatigue failure of the horizontal

stabilizer spar tube (spar tube), impact of the

horizontal stabilizer with the main or tail

rotor and subsequent loss of control of the

helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Before further flight:

(1) Inspect the aircraft records and the

horizontal stabilizer installation to determine

whether Modification 072214 (installation of

the spar tube without play) or Modification
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 110 /Tuesday, June 9, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 31351

072215 (adding two half-shells on the spar)

has been accomplished.

(2) If Modification 072214 has not been

installed, comply with paragraphs 2.A.,

2.B.1), 2.B.2)a), and 2.B.2)b) of the

Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter

France Service Bulletin No. 55.10, Revision

2, dated April 25, 1997 (service bulletin). If

the fit and dimensions of the components

specified in paragraph 2.B.2)a) exceed the

tolerances in the applicable structural repair

manual, replace with airworthy parts.

(3) If Modification 072215 has not been

installed, first comply with paragraphs 2.A.,

2.B.1), and 2.B.3), and then comply with

paragraph 2.B.2)c) of the Accomplishment

Instructions of the service bulletin.

Note 2: Modification kit P/N 315A–07–

0221571 contains the necessary materials to

accomplish this modification.

(b) Before the first flight of each day:

(1) Visually inspect the installation of the

half-shells, the horizontal stabilizer supports,

and the horizontal stabilizer for corrosion or

cracks. Repair any corroded parts in

accordance with the applicable maintenance

manual. Replace any cracked components

with airworthy parts before further flight.

(2) Confirm that there is no play in the

horizontal stabilizer supports by lightly

shaking the horizontal stabilizer. If play is

detected, comply with paragraphs 2.A. and

2.B.2)a) of the service bulletin. If the fit and

dimensions of the components specified in

paragraph 2.B.2)a) exceed the tolerances in

the applicable structural repair manual,

replace with airworthy parts before further

flight.

(c) At intervals not to exceed 400 hours

time-in-service (TIS) or four calendar

months, whichever occurs first, inspect and

lubricate the spar tube attachment bolts.

(d) For stabilizers, P/N 3130–35–60–000,

3130–35–60–000–1, 3130–35–60–000–2, or

3130–35–60–000–3, within 90 calendar days

and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18

calendar months, visually inspect the inside

of the horizontal spar tube in accordance

with paragraph 2.A. and 2.B.1) of the service

bulletin.

(1) If corrosion is found inside the tube,

other than in the half-shell area, replace the

tube with an airworthy tube within the next

500 hours TIS or 24 calendar months,

whichever occurs first.

(2) If corrosion is found inside the tube in

the half-shell area, apply a protective

treatment as described in paragraph 2.B.1)b)

of the service bulletin.

(e) For stabilizers, P/N 3130–35–60–000–4

or higher dash numbers, accomplish the

following:

(1) At or before the next major inspection,

3200 hours total TIS, or 12 calendar years

total TIS, whichever occurs first, and

thereafter at each major inspection, visually

inspect the inside of the horizontal spar tube

in accordance with paragraph 2.A. and 2.B.1)

of the service bulletin.

(2) If corrosion is found inside the tube,

other than in the half-shell area, replace the

tube with an airworthy tube within the next

500 hours TIS or 18 calendar months,

whichever occurs first. If corrosion is found

inside the tube in the half-shell area, apply

a protective treatment as described in

paragraph 2.B.1)b) of the service bulletin.

(f) 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, Rotorcraft

Standards Staff, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate.

Operators shall submit their requests through

an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,

who may concur or comment and then send

it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

Note 3: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

(g) 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.

(h) The modification shall be done in

accordance with Eurocopter France Service

Bulletin No. 55.10, Revision 2, dated April

25, 1997. 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. 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.

(i) This amendment becomes effective on

July 14, 1998.

Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed

in Direction Generale De L’Aviation Civile

(France) AD 96–278–054(B)R1, dated May 21,

1997.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 2,

1998.

Eric Bries,

Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,

Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–15198 Filed 6–8–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 98–ASW–24]

Revision of Class E Airspace;

Intracoastal City, LA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Direct final rule; request for

comments.

SUMMARY: This amendment revises the

Class E airspace at Intracoastal City, LA.

The development of four global

positioning system (GPS) standard

instrument approach procedures (SIAP),

helicopter point-in-space approaches, to

heliports in the Intracoastal City, LA,

area has made this rule necessary. This

action is intended to provide adequate

controlled airspace extending upward

from 700 feet or more above the surface

for instrument flight rules (IFR)

operations to the heliports.

DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, October 8,

1998.

Comments must be received on or

before July 24, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on the rule

in triplicate to Manager, Airspace

Branch, Air Traffic Division, Federal

Aviation Administration, Southwest

Region, Docket No. 98–ASW–24, Fort

Worth, TX 76193–0520. The official

docket may be examined in the Office

of the Regional Counsel, Southwest

Region, Federal Aviation

Administration, 2601 Meacham

Boulevard, Room 663, Fort Worth, TX,

between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.,

Monday through Friday, except Federal

holidays. An informal docket may also

be examined during normal business

hours at the Airspace Branch, Traffic

Division, Federal Aviation

Administration, Southwest Region,

Room 414, Fort Worth, TX.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Donald J. Day, Airspace Branch, Air

Traffic Division, Southwest Region,

Federal Aviation Administration, Fort

Worth, TX 76193–0520, telephone 817–

222–5593.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This

amendment to 14 CFR part 71 revises

the Class E airspace at Intraocastal City,

LA. The development of four GPS

SIAP’s helicopter point-in-space

approaches, to heliports in the

Intracaostal City, LA, area has made this

rule necessary. This action is intended

to provide adequate controlled airspace

extending upward from 700 feet or more

above the surface for IFR operations to

the helicports

Class E airspace designations are

published in Paragraph 6005 of FAA

Order 7400.9E, dated September 10,

1997, and effective September 16, 1997,

which is incorporated by reference in 14

CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace

designation listed in this document will

be published subsequently in the order.

The Direct Final Rule Procedure

The FAA anticipates that this

regulation will not result in any adverse

or negative comment and therefore is

issuing it as a direct final rule. A

substantial number of previous

opportunities provided to the public to

comment on substantially identical

actions have resulted in negligible

adverse comments or objections. Unless

a written adverse or negative comment,

or a written notice of intent to submit

an adverse or negative comment, is