Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Formerly Aerospatiale, Society Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation) Model SA- 365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-SW-22-AD; Amendment 39-10564; AD 98-12-08]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Formerly

Aerospatiale, Society Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation) Model SA-

365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to Eurocopter France (Formerly Aerospatiale, Society

Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, SA-

365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters, that requires an inspection of the

transmission deck for cracks; repair of any cracked transmission deck;

and replacement of the transmission deck support beams (support beams)

with redesigned support beams. This amendment is prompted by several

reports of cracks in the transmission deck and support beams. The

actions specified by this AD are intended to detect cracks that reduce

the strength of the main gearbox strut attachment and could result in

failure of the main

[[Page 30379]]

gearbox mounting, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective July 9, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as

of July 9, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be

obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand

Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-

3527. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the

Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort

Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike Mathias, Aerospace Engineer,

FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, ASW-111, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,

Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5123, 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 Eurocopter France SA-365N, SA-

365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1 helicopters was published in the Federal

Register on December 3, 1997 (62 FR 63912). That action proposed to

require an inspection of the transmission deck for cracks; repair of

any cracked transmission deck; and replacement of the support beams

with redesigned support beams.

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.

The FAA estimates that 137 helicopters of U.S. registry will be

affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 50 work hours per

helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average

labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately

$5,000 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of

the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,096,000.

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, Incorporation by

reference, 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 98-12-08 Eurocopter France (Formerly Aerospatiale, Society

Nationale Industrielle, Sud Aviation): Amendment 39-10564. Docket

No. 96-SW-22-AD.

Applicability: Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, SA-365N2, and SA-366G1

helicopters, 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 (c) 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 detect cracks that reduce the strength of the main gearbox

strut attachment and could result in failure of the main gearbox

mounting, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter,

accomplish the following:

(a) For Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, and SA-366G1 helicopters, on or

before attaining 4,000 hours time-in-service (TIS), or within 50

hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs

later; and for Model SA-365N2 helicopters, on or before attaining

2,000 hour TIS, or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of

this AD, whichever occurs later; perform the following:

(1) Inspect the transmission deck for cracks using a dye-

penetrant inspection method, in accordance with paragraph BB of

Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 1995.

If a crack is found in the transmission deck, repair prior to

further flight.

Note 2: A FAA-approved repair solution can be initiated by

contacting the American Eurocopter Technical Support Department,

ATTN: Manager, telephone (972) 641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527.

(2) Replace the currently installed transmission deck support

beams, part numbers (P/N) 365A21-3365-49 and 365A21-3365-CY, with

reinforced transmission deck support beams, P/N 365A21-3365-JE-01

and 365A21-3365-JF-01, in accordance with the Accomplishment

Instructions in Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.36,

Rev. 1, dated December 16, 1996.

(b) After completion of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD,

clean, prime and paint the affected areas of the transmission deck

and the reinforced support beams in accordance with paragraph BB 2A

of Eurocopter France Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24,

1995.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the

compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be

used if 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.

(d) 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.

(e) The inspection and repair or modification, if necessary,

shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in

Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 05.00.36, Rev. 1, dated

December 16, 1996, and paragraphs BB and BB 2A of Eurocopter France

Telex Service No. 10011, dated February 24, 1995. This

[[Page 30380]]

incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the

Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part

51. Copies may be obtained from American Eurocopter Corporation,

2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone (972)

641-3460, fax (972) 641-3527. Copies may be inspected at the FAA,

Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham

Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal

Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 9, 1998.

Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction

Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 95-068-017(B) and AD 95-

067-038(B), both dated April 12, 1995.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 28, 1998.

Henry A. Armstrong,

Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98-14929 Filed 6-3-98; 8:45 am]

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