Document ID: FAA-2013-0770-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Helicopters
Posted Date: 2013-09-06T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 173 (Friday, September 6, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54792-54794]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21724]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0770; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-057-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Eurocopter Model EC225 LP helicopters. This proposed AD would 
add a new operating limitation that would require increasing the 
minimum density altitude flight limitation for helicopters without 
certain Eurocopter modifications installed. This proposed AD is 
prompted by a report that flights below a certain density altitude 
create oscillations in the main rotor which can transfer dynamic loads 
to the structure, the main gearbox (MGB), and the main servo-control 
inputs, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 5, 
2013.

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 foreign 
authority's 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 review 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: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601

[[Page 54793]]

Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
gary.b.roach@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 EASA AD 
No. 2008-0007R3, dated May 12, 2010, to correct an unsafe condition for 
Eurocopter Model EC225 LP helicopters that are ``not equipped of all 
three modifications MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583, or, if 
not equipped of MOD 0726592, or, if equipped with all three 
modifications MOD 0726606, MOD 0726610, MOD 0726611 and missing 
accomplishment of MOD 0726632.'' EASA advises that the main rotor 
control linkage has a coupling between the MGB motion and the main 
servo-control inputs. According to EASA, in certain flight conditions 
with increased air density, this design generates ``spurious'' 14 Hertz 
control inputs in the main rotor, which, in return, transfer dynamic 
loads to the structure. These return dynamic loads give feedback to the 
MGB motion, inducing a continuous vibration phenomenon. EASA states 
that flight tests have demonstrated that below certain density 
altitudes, the occurrence of the vibration phenomenon is significantly 
increased or even diverges, which could lead to the loss of control of 
the helicopter. EASA advises that Eurocopter has continued to develop 
modifications (MODs) for correcting the vibrations below certain 
density altitudes, and therefore, helicopters with the following MODs 
installed are exempt from the applicability of EASA AD No. 2008-0007R3:
     MOD 0726582 relating to Vehicle Management System (VMS) 
software version V11.01, MOD 0726583 relating to full authority digital 
engine control (FADEC) software version V2.4.5 and MOD 0726477 relating 
to servo-controls with attenuated dynamic response;
     MOD 0726592 relating to new Makila 2A1 engines; and
     MOD 0726632 which allows flight to -6,000 feet density 
altitude.
    To correct this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2008-0007R3, which 
requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit 
operation below -2,000 feet density altitude for helicopters without 
certain modifications installed.

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 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter has issued EC225LP Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. 04A001, Revision 3, dated May 6, 2010, which specifies 
inserting RFM revision ``Normal Revision RN11 (10-04) or later, 
associated with conditional revision RCe (10-04) or later'' into the 
RFM for helicopters equipped with screen air intakes and inserting 
``Normal Revision RN21 (10-05) or later, associated with conditional 
revision RCe (10-04) or later'' into the RFM for helicopters equipped 
with multi-purpose air intakes. Both RFM revisions limit the minimum 
altitude for flight to -2,000 feet density altitude.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 50 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), amending the RFM to limit minimum flight altitude to -2,000 feet 
density altitude.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD specifies a compliance time of 30 days, while the 
proposed AD requires compliance within 50 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect three helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that the costs to comply with this AD by revising the 
RFM are negligible.

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.

[[Page 54794]]

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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

EUROCOPTER FRANCE (EUROCOPTER): Docket No. FAA-2013-0770; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-057-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Eurocopter Model EC225 LP helicopters, 
certificated in any category, except helicopters with the following 
modifications (MOD) installed:
    (1) MOD 0726582, MOD 0726477, and MOD 0726583;
    (2) MOD 0726592; or
    (3) MOD 0726632.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as oscillations in the main 
rotor which can transfer dynamic loads to the structure, the main 
gearbox (MGB), and the main servo-control inputs, which could result 
in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 5, 2013.

(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 Action

    Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), revise the Operating 
Limitations section of the Eurocopter EC225LP Rotorcraft Flight 
Manual (RFM) by inserting a copy of this AD into Section 2.3 of the 
RFM, or by making pen and ink changes as follows. Under paragraph 1, 
Altitude Limits, add the phrase:
    ``The minimum altitude is limited to -2,000 feet density 
altitude.''

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email gary.b.roach@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) Eurocopter EC225LP Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
04A001, Revision 3, dated May 4, 2010, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. 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 the 
referenced 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 European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2008-0007R3, dated May 12, 2010. You may 
view the EASA AD in the AD docket on the Internet at http:/
www.regulations.gov.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2200: Auto Flight 
System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 29, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2013-21724 Filed 9-5-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P