## 9395 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 33 / Wednesday, February 19, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

MD11–28–126, Revision 4, dated November 29, 2011, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(1) For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes: between Stations 1238.950 and 1381.000, Stations 1238.950 and 1256.000, and Stations 1238.950 and 1256.800, depending on passenger or freighter configuration.

(2) For Group 2, Configuration 2 airplanes: between Stations 1238.950 and 1275.250, and Stations 1238.950 and 1275.250, passenger configuration only.

(3) For Group 5, Configuration 2 airplanes: between Stations 1381.000 and 1238.950.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

(1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD, using the service bulletins specified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) or (i)(1)(ii) of this AD.

(i) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 2, dated November 18, 2010, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(ii) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 3, dated June 3, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD, using Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 3, dated June 3, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(j) Repair

Where Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28– 126, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2009; or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 4, dated November 29, 2011; specifies to contact The Boeing Company for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the auxiliary fuel tank in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, 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 manager of the Los Angeles ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD.

(2) 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.

(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by Structures Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and 14 CFR 25.571, Amendment 45, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(4) AMOCs approved for AD 2009–26–16, Amendment 39–16155 (74 FR 69249, December 31, 2009), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements of this

AD.

(l) Related Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712– 4137; phone: (562) 627–5262; fax: (562) 627– 5210; email: samuel.lee@faa.gov.

(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified in paragraphs (m)(5) and (m)(6) of this AD.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR

Part 51.

(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on March 26, 2014.

(i) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 4, dated November 29, 2011.

(ii) Reserved. (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on February 4, 2010, (74 FR 69249, December 31, 2009).

(i) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–28–126, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2009.

(ii) Reserved. (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800–0019, Long Beach, CA 90846–0001; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 2; fax 206–766–5683; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com.

(6) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.

(7) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference 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/ibrlocations.html

.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
21, 2014. Jeffrey E. Duven, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2014–02997 Filed 2–18–14; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P** 

### DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 39**

**[Docket No. FAA–2013–0737; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–111–AD; Amendment**  **39–17739; AD 2014–03–02]**

**RIN 2120–AA64**



### Airworthiness Directives; Airbus **Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France)** 

**AGENCY** 

### : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION** 

### : Final rule.

**SUMMARY** 

### : We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the crimping of the ball joint of the upper- and lower- end-fittings of the main servo-control and, depending onfindings, replacing the main servocontrol or repairing the ball joint. This AD was prompted by incidents of missing crimping on the ball joints of servo-control end-fittings. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of a main servo-control upper end fitting, and subsequent failure of the flight controls and loss of control of the helicopter.

**DATES** 

### : This AD is effective March 26,

2014.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of March 26, 2014.

**ADDRESSES** 

### : For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http:// www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub

. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

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 AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the


## 9396 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 33 / Wednesday, February 19, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– 647–5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT** 

### : Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov

. **SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION** 

### :

Discussion

On August 20, 2013, at 78 FR 51115, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and SA330J helicopters. The NPRM proposed visually inspecting the applicable ball joint of the upper and lower end-fittings of the main servo control for crimping. If the ball joint of the upper end-fitting was not crimped and the slipping of the ball joint was one millimeter (mm) or greater, the NPRM proposed replacing the servo-control. If the ball joint of the upper end-fitting was not crimped and the slipping of the ball joint was less than one mm, the NPRM proposed replacing the servo-control or crimping the ball joint. If the ball joint of the lower end-fitting was not crimped, the NPRM proposed crimping the ball joint. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a main servo-control upper end fitting, and subsequent failure of the flight controls and loss of control of the helicopter.

The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2012–0248, dated November 20, 2012, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model AS 332 C, AS 332 C1, AS 332 L, AS 332 L1, AS 332 L2, and SA 330 J helicopters withcertain part-numbered main servocontrols installed. EASA advises that several occurrences were reported to Eurocopter of missing crimping on ball joints of servo-control end-fittings. EASA states that while slipping of the ball joint of the lower end-fitting does not affect its service life, slipping of the ball joint of the upper end-fitting can lead to a significant reduction of the service life of this end-fitting. As a result, the EASA AD requires inspecting each ball joint for crimping and, depending on the findings, replacing the main servo-control. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (78 FR 51115, August 20, 2013).

FAA’s Determination

These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA 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 these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed except for a minor editorial change. The type certificate holder’s name for the affected models in this AD changed from Eurocopter France to Airbus Helicopters on January 10, 2014. This editorial change is consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM (78 FR 51115, August 20, 2013) and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information

Eurocopter issued one Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) with three different numbers, all Revision 1, and all dated December 5, 2012. EASB No. 67.00.45 applies to civilian Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and military Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332M, AS332M1, and AS332F1 helicopters. EASB No. 67.00.31 applies to military Model AS532AC, AS532AL, AS532SC, AS532UC, AS532UE, AS532UL, AS532A2, and AS532U2 helicopters. EASB No. 67.19 applies to civilian Model SA330J and military Model SA330Ba, SA330Ca, SA330Ea, SA330L, SA330Jm, SA330S1, and SA330Sm helicopters. The EASB specifies visually checking for crimping of the ball joints of the upper- and lower- servo control end-fittings and informing the Eurocopter Technical Support Department of any ball joint that is not crimped. For an upper end-fitting ball joint that is not crimped and slips one mm or greater, the EASB specifies returning the servo-control for replacement of the ball joint and the end-fitting. For an upper end-fitting ball joint that is not crimped and slips less than one mm, the EASB specifies either crimping the ball joint or returning the servo-control for ball joint crimping. For a lower end-fitting ball joint that is not crimped, the EASB states to crimp the ball joint. The EASB also states that if a ball joint is crimped, no action on that ball joint is required in regard to this unsafe condition.
Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 18 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. We estimate it will take 1 work-hour to inspect the ball joint for crimping at an average labor cost of $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, it will cost about $85 per helicopter for the inspection, or $1,530 for U.S. operators. We estimate it will take 4 work-hours to replace a servo-control and parts will cost approximately $60,358 for a total estimated cost of $60,698 for replacement.

According to the Eurocopter service information some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Airbus Helicopters, Eurocopter, or UTC Actuation Systems/ Goodrich Actuation Systems. Accordingly, we have included all costs
in our cost estimate.
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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings

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.


## 9397 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 33 / Wednesday, February 19, 2014 / Rules and Regulations

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:

(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);

(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 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

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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):

2014–03–02 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate previously held by Eurocopter France): Amendment 39– 17739; Docket No. FAA–2013–0737; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–111–AD.

(a) Applicability

This AD applies to the following model helicopters, certificated in any category, with a part-numbered main servo-control listed below: overhauled or repaired by UTC Actuation Systems/Goodrich Actuation Systems between June 1, 2008, and September 15, 2012, inclusive; or with a serial number listed in Appendix 1 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.00.45 (EASB 67.00.45) or 67.19 (EASB 67.19), both Revision 1, and both dated December 5, 2012, as applicable to your model helicopter:

(1) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, andAS332L2 helicopters with main servocontrol, part number (P/N) SC7202, SC7202– (all dash numbers), SC7203, SC7203– (all dash numbers), SC7221, or SC7221– (all dash numbers), installed; and

(2) Model SA330J helicopters with main servo-control P/N SC7111, SC7111– (all dash numbers) SC7112, or SC7112– (all dash numbers), installed. (b) Unsafe Condition

This AD defines the unsafe condition as missing crimping on a ball joint of a main servo-control end-fitting. This condition
could result in failure of a main servo-control upper end fitting, failure of the flight controls, and loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

This AD becomes effective March 26, 2014.

(d) 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.

(e) Required Actions

(1) Within 85 hours time-in-service (TIS): (i) Using a light source, inspect the ball joint of the upper end-fitting of the main servo control for crimping in accordance with Detail A and Detail B, Figure 1, of Eurocopter EASB 67.00.45 or EASB 67.19, as applicable to your model helicopter.

(A) If the upper ball joint is not crimped and the ball joint slips a distance of 1millimeter (mm) or greater, replace the servocontrol with an airworthy servo-control.

(B) If the upper ball joint is not crimped and the ball joint slips a distance of less than 1mm, either crimp the ball joint or replacethe servo-control with an airworthy servocontrol.

(ii) Using a light source, inspect the ball joint of the lower end-fitting of the main servo-control for crimping in accordance with Detail A and Detail B, Figure 1, of Eurocopter EASB 67.00.45 or EASB 67.19, as applicable to your model helicopter. If the lower ball joint is not crimped, crimp the ball joint.

(2) Prior to installing any servo-control that is affected by this AD, perform the required actions in accordance with paragraphs (e)(1)
of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matt.wilbanks@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

The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2012–0248, dated November 20, 2012. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet

at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.

FAA–2013–0737. (h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6730, Rotor Flight Control—Rotorcraft Servo System.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.00.45, Revision 1, dated December 5, 2012.

(ii) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 67.19, Revision 1, dated December 5, 2012.

Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2): Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) Nos. 67.00.45 and 67.19, both Revision 1, andboth dated December 5, 2012, are copublished as one document along with Eurocopter EASB No. 67.00.31, Revision 1, dated December 5, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference.

(3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–

3775; or at http:// www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub

.

(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.

(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference 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/ibrlocations.html

.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 24,

2014.
Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2014–02972 Filed 2–18–14; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**