[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 81 (Thursday, April 25, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18236-18238]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10075]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-SW-01-AD; Amendment 39-9577; AD 96-09-03]


Airworthiness Directives; Societe Nationale Industrielle 
Aerospatiale and Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, N1, and N2 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale and 
Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, N1,

[[Page 18237]]

and N2 helicopters, that requires an inspection of the door jettison 
systems to determine if the handle shafts are locked to the jettison 
systems. If the inspection indicates the handle shafts are locked to 
the jettison systems, this AD requires installation of a snapwire on 
the jettison systems and a visual inspection of the door jettison 
handles to determine whether two spring pins are installed, and 
installation of a second spring pin, if necessary. If the initial 
inspection indicates that the handle shafts are not locked to the 
jettison systems, this AD requires replacement of the sheared spring 
pin with two spring pins. This amendment is prompted by a factory 
inspection performed by the manufacturer that revealed that the forward 
passenger door jettison handles may have been fitted with one spring 
pin instead of two spring pins at the door jettison handle attachment 
points. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a loss 
of the doors in flight and subsequent damage to the horizontal 
stabilizer, main fin, or lateral fins.

EFFECTIVE DATE: May 30, 1996.

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 Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Richard Monschke, Aerospace 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 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 Societe Nationale Industrielle 
Aerospatiale and Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, N1, and N2 
helicopters was published in the Federal Register on November 2, 1995 
(60 FR 55681). That action proposed to require, within 30 days after 
the effective date of the AD, an inspection of the door jettison 
systems to determine if the handle shafts were locked to the jettison 
systems. If the inspection indicated the handle shafts were locked to 
the jettison systems, that action proposed to require installation of a 
snapwire on the jettison systems and within 500 hours time-in-service, 
a visual inspection of the door jettison handles to determine whether 
two spring pins were installed, and installation of a second spring 
pin, if necessary. If the initial inspection indicated that the handle 
shafts were not locked to the jettison systems, the action proposed to 
require, before further flight, replacement of the sheared spring pin 
with two spring pins.
    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, except for various non-substantive 
editorial changes and deleting the incorporation by reference of the 
service bulletin. The FAA has determined that these changes will 
neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the 
scope of the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 27 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish the actions, and that the average labor rate 
is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $230 per 
helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $19,170.
    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, 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:

AD 96-09-03 Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale and 
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter France): Amendment 39-9577. Docket No. 
95-SW-01-AD.

    Applicability: Model SA-365N, N1, and N2 helicopters, serial 
numbers (S/N) 6008, 6033, 6083, 6084, 6085, 6093, 6120 and higher 
that have not been modified in accordance with Avis De Modification 
(AMS) 365A07-56B15, 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 (b) 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 a loss of the doors in flight and subsequent damage 
to the horizontal stabilizer, main fin, or lateral fins, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, for both 
the left and right forward passenger door jettison systems, cut the 
snapwire on the door jettison handle, and, without turning the 
handle completely, determine whether the handle is locked to the 
jettison mechanism.
    (1) If the door jettison handle shaft is locked to the jettison 
system,
    (i) Install the snapwire, part number (P/N) L23321, or annealed 
copper safety wire, black enameled, 0.3mm diameter, on each door 
jettison handle.
    (ii) Within 500 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, accomplish the following in accordance with the 
applicable maintenance manual:
    (A) Remove the doors and remove the trimming panels from the 
passenger door posts. Visually inspect each door to determine 
whether two spring pins are installed to fasten each jettison 
handle.

[[Page 18238]]

    (B) If only one spring pin is installed, install a second spring 
pin.
    (C) Reinstall the trimming panel.
    (D) Reinstall the door.
    (E) Install the snapwire as specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of 
this AD.
    (2) If a door jettison handle shaft is not locked to the 
jettison system, before further flight, accomplish the following.
    (i) Remove the door and the trimming panel.
    (ii) Remove the sheared spring pin.
    (iii) Replace the sheared spring pin with two spring pins.
    (iv) Reinstall the door trimming panels.
    (v) Reinstall the door.
    (vi) Install the snapwire as described in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of 
this AD.

    Note 2: Eurocopter Service Bulletin SA 365, No. 01.38, dated 
January 31, 1994, pertains to this AD.

    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used when 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.

    (c) 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.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on May 30, 1996.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 18, 1996.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-10075 Filed 4-24-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U