Document ID: FAA-2012-1014-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Helicopters
Posted Date: 2012-09-25T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 25, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58971-58973]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23444]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1014; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-058-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 
Eurocopter Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS365N3 helicopters. This 
proposed AD would revise the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft 
Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit flight in instrument meteorological 
conditions (IMC) or night visual flight rules (VFR) for each helicopter 
with a vertical gyro unit GV76-1 installed upon a non-reinforced shelf 
in the rear cargo compartment. Also, this proposed AD would require 
modifying the GV76-1 vertical gyro unit shelf and testing for correct 
function of the navigation systems. This proposed AD is prompted by 
flight crew reports of deviations between the displayed attitude on the 
attitude display screen and the independent electromechanical standby 
attitude indicator. The proposed actions

[[Page 58972]]

are intended to prevent an undetected flight display error of a slow 
drift in the roll axis, disorientation of the pilot, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26, 
2012.

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 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 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at http://www.eurocopter.com. 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: Mark F. Wiley, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5134, 
fax (817) 222-5961.

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 Community, has issued AD 
No. 2010-0100R1, dated August 4, 2010, and corrected August 11, 2010, 
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified Eurocopter model 
helicopters. EASA advises that a slow drift in the roll axis on the 
pilot's and co-pilot's attitude display screens occurred simultaneously 
during flight on several helicopters equipped with the GV76-1 vertical 
gyro unit installed in the rear cargo compartment. EASA advises ``these 
drifts were caused by a fault in the vertical gyros unit installation 
in the rear cargo.'' EASA states that in certain configurations, the 
GV76-1 vertical gyro unit installation has a natural mode close to the 
main rotor's harmonic frequency that generates rather significant 
vibratory levels on the GV76-1 unit by amplifying the intrinsic 
vibration of the aircraft. The faults are caused by these vibratory 
levels. EASA also states that the critical mode is essentially due to 
bending on the horizontal cross-members, which support the GV76-1 
shelf.

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 an Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 34.00.31 
Revision 1, dated July 28, 2010 (ASB 34.00.31), for FAA type-
certificated Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS365N3 helicopters and for 
military non-FAA type-certificated Model AS-365F, Fi, and K 
helicopters. ASB 34.00.31 specifies reinforcing the shelves of the 
vertical gyros GV76-1 (in cargo compartment) on the right hand (RH) or 
left-hand (LH) side. EASA classified this ASB as mandatory and issued 
AD No. 2010-0100R1, dated August 4, 2010, and corrected August 11, 
2010, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require:
     Before further flight, revising the Limitations section of 
the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to prohibit flight in instrument 
meteorological conditions (IMC) or night visual flight rules (VFR) for 
each helicopter with a vertical gyro unit GV76-1 installed on the rear 
cargo compartment shelf without reinforcement per Modification 
365P081895.
     Within 110 hours time-in-service, modifying the GV76-1 
vertical gyro unit shelf by complying with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2.A. through 2.B.2.e. of the ASB. After 
reinforcing the shelf, operationally testing the GV76-1 vertical gyro 
unit and functionally test the navigation systems.
     Modifying the GV76-1 vertical gyro unit shelf is 
terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
     After modifying the GV76-1 vertical gyro unit shelf, 
removing this AD or deleting any changes to the Limitations section of 
the RFM that prohibit flight in IMC or VFR as a result of this AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    We do not use the calendar dates, which have already passed. This 
AD prohibits flight in IMC or night VFR until MOD 365P081895 is 
accomplished.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 19 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 16 work hours 
to install a

[[Page 58973]]

shelf reinforcement kit per helicopter at an average labor rate of $85 
per work hour. Required parts would cost about $2,560 per helicopter. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD 
on U.S. operators to be $74,480 to reinforce the shelf of the entire 
fleet.

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.

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

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

Eurocopter France: Docket No. FAA-2012-1014; Directorate Identifier 
2010-SW-058-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 
helicopters, with the GV76-1 vertical gyro unit installed on the 
left-hand (LH) or right-hand (RH) shelf in the rear cargo 
compartment, pre-MOD 365P081895, certificated in any category, all 
serial numbers except 6698, 6701, 6723, 6737, and 6741.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an undetected flight 
display error of a slow drift in the roll axis. This condition could 
result in disorientation of the pilot and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

(c) 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.

(d) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight, revise the Limitations section of the 
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting a copy of this AD into 
the RFM or by pen and ink changes to the RFM that prohibits flight 
in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) or night visual flight 
rules (VFR) for each helicopter with a vertical gyro unit GV76-1 
installed on the rear cargo compartment shelf without reinforcement 
per Modification 365P081895.
    (2) Within 110 hours time-in-service, modify the GV76-1 vertical 
gyro unit shelf as depicted in Figures 1 through 3 and by following 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.A. through 2.B.2.e., 
of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 34.00.31, Revision 1, dated 
July 28, 2010. After reinforcing the shelf, operationally test the 
GV76-1 vertical gyro unit and functionally test the navigation 
systems.
    (3) After modifying the GV76-1 vertical gyro unit shelf, remove 
this AD from the Limitations section of the RFM or remove any 
changes to the Limitations section of the RFM that prohibit flight 
in IMC or VFR as a result of paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.
    (4) Modifying the GV76-1 vertical gyro unit shelf is terminating 
action for the requirements of this AD.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Mark F. Wiley, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5134; 
email mark.f.wiley@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.

(f) Additional Information

    (1) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 
75053-4005, telephone (800) 232-0323, fax (972) 641-3710, or at 
http://www.eurocopter.com. 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 AD No. 2010-0100R1, dated August 4, 2010, and 
corrected August 11, 2010.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code: 3421: Attitude Gyro 
and Indicator System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 14, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-23444 Filed 9-24-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P