Document ID: FAA-2014-0333-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters) Helicopters
Posted Date: 2014-06-02T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 105 (Monday, June 2, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31229-31231]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12740]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 105 / Monday, June 2, 2014 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 31229]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0333; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-025-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously 
Eurocopter France) (Airbus Helicopters) 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 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting each TECALEMIT 
flexible hydraulic hose (hose) installed in the main gearbox (MGB) 
compartment and replacing the hose if a crack, cut, or other damage 
exists. This proposed AD is prompted by reports about the loss of in-
flight hydraulic pressure on Eurocopter helicopters. The proposed 
actions are intended to prevent loss of the hydraulic system and 
consequently, loss of helicopter control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 1, 2014.

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 European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 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 
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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
rao.edupuganti@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

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013-0069, dated March 18, 2013, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) 
Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP 
helicopters. EASA advises that in-flight losses of hydraulic pressure 
were reported on these helicopters because of ``significant'' tears on 
the protection sheath of MGB hydraulic flexible ``pipes'' manufactured 
by TECALEMIT. This condition could lead to simultaneous left-hand and 
right-hand hydraulic system leakage, loss of the hydraulic system, and 
consequently, loss of helicopter control could occur, EASA advises.

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 issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. EC225-05-027, Revision 
1, dated July 17, 2013, for Model EC225LP helicopters and SB No. AS332-
05.00.92, Revision 1, dated July 17, 2013, for Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2 and military Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332F1, 
AS332M and AS332M1 helicopters. The SBs state Eurocopter received a 
report concerning the loss of pressure in the left-hand hydraulic 
system in-flight. Hydraulic fluid was found in the cabin, though the 
flight was completed without further incident. An examination of the 
hydraulic system showed that the hose located between the forward 
servo-

[[Page 31230]]

control and the hydraulic manifold had burst. Further investigations 
have shown corrosion on the metal braid located under the fire-
resistant sheath of hoses manufactured by TECALEMIT. The corrosion may 
be caused by the deterioration or gaping of the fire-resistant sheath 
at the hose ends, enabling humidity to enter between the sheath and the 
metal braid. Eurocopter recommends inspecting the hoses regardless of 
their manufacturer. As a result, the SBs require checking each hose for 
a notch, tear, crack, or friction mark, measuring any damage found, and 
replacing any hose that has damage.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require: Within 110 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) and every 110 hours TIS thereafter, visually inspecting each 
TECALEMIT hose installed in the MGB compartment. If there is a cut or 
crack in the hose sheath that allows you to see the metal braid 
underneath, replace the hose before further flight. If there is a cut, 
crack or other damage in the hose on the right hand hydraulic system 
that does not allow you to see the metal braid underneath, replace the 
hose with an airworthy hose within 300 hours TIS. If there is a cut, 
crack or other damage in the hose on the left hand hydraulic system 
that does not allow you to see the metal braid underneath, replace the 
hose with an airworthy hose within 600 hours TIS.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires a one-time inspection, while the proposed AD 
would require that the inspection of the hoses be repeated every 110 
hours TIS. The EASA AD requires that if severe damage is found in a 
hose on the right hand hydraulic system then the hose be replaced 
before the next flight, while the proposed AD would require this 
regardless of whether the hose is on the right hand or left hand 
hydraulic system. The EASA AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model 
AS332C1 helicopter. The proposed AD would not because Model AS332C1 
helicopters have no FAA type certificate. The EASA had sets some 
compliance times based on months. We set compliance times based only on 
hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 19 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
    Inspecting the hoses installed in a MGB compartment would require 
1.5 work-hours for a labor cost of about $128 per helicopter, $2,432 
for the U.S. fleet.
    Replacing a hose would require 2.5 work-hours for a labor cost of 
about $213. Parts would cost $2,000 for a total cost of $2,213 per 
helicopter.

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 proposed 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

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):

 Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France) (Airbus 
Helicopters): Docket No. FAA-2014-0333; Directorate Identifier 2013-
SW-025-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP, AS332C, 
AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with a TECALEMIT main gear 
box (MGB) hydraulic flexible hose (hose) installed, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as loss of hydraulic 
pressure because of the failure of a hose. This condition could 
result in loss of the hydraulic system and consequently, loss of 
helicopter control.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 1, 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 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, visually inspect each 
TECALEMIT hose installed in the MGB compartment for a cut, crack, or 
other damage.
    (2) If there is a cut, crack, or any other damage in the hose 
sheath that allows you to see the metal braid underneath when 
pinching or twisting the sheath, replace the hose before further 
flight.
    (3) If there is a cut, crack, or any other damage in the hose 
sheath on the right hand hydraulic system that does not allow you to 
see the metal braid underneath, replace the hose within 300 hours 
TIS.
    (4) If there is a cut, crack, or any other damage in the hose 
sheath on the left hand hydraulic system that does not allow you to 
see the metal braid underneath, replace the hose within 600 hours 
TIS.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management

[[Page 31231]]

Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email rao.edupuganti@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 Service Bulletin (SB) No. EC225-05-027 and SB No. 
AS332-05.00.92, both Revision 1 and dated July 17, 2013; Eurocopter 
SB No. AS332-29.00.17 and SB No. EC225-29-005, both Revision 0 and 
both dated June 21, 2013; and Eurocopter Information Notice No. 
2506-I-29, Revision 2, dated July 24, 2013; which are not 
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the 
subject of this AD. 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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-0069, dated March 18, 2013. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0333.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2910, Main 
Hydraulic System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 21, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-12740 Filed 5-30-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P