Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-SW-17-AD; Amendment 39-11195; AD 99-13-02]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1,

and L2 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing priority letter

airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS

332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters, that currently requires conducting a

filter clogging warning test, and, if necessary, replacing a jammed

valve with an airworthy valve. This amendment requires the same

corrective actions required by the existing AD; however, the

applicability is reduced to encompass only certain part-numbered fuel

filters. This amendment is prompted by jammed fuel filter by-pass

valves and new

[[Page 32400]]

information that justifies a reduction in the applicability of the

superseded priority letter AD. The actions specified by this AD are

intended to prevent engine power loss due to fuel starvation, which

could cause one or both engines to flameout and a subsequent forced

landing.

DATES: Effective July 2, 1999. The incorporation by reference of

certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the

Director of the Federal Register as of July 2, 1999.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or

before August 16, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-SW-17-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,

Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from

American Eurocopter Corporation, Technical Support, 2701 Forum Drive,

Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005, telephone 800-232-0323, 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 76137; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shep Blackman, Aerospace Engineer,

FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Southwest

Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817)

222-5296, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 20, 1998, the FAA issued Priority

Letter AD 98-18-09, applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L,

L1, and L2 helicopters, to require, within 25 hours time-in-service

(TIS) and any subsequent time the fuel filter clogged caution lights

illuminate, conducting a filter clogging warning test, and, if

necessary, replacing a jammed valve with an airworthy valve. That

action was prompted by reports of jammed fuel filter by-pass valves

discovered during routine maintenance. That condition, if not

corrected, could result in engine power loss due to fuel starvation,

which could cause one or both engines to flameout and a subsequent

forced landing.

Since the issuance of that AD, the Direction Generale De L'Aviation

Civile (DGAC) has issued revised AD's which specify that the AD's are

only applicable to helicopters with the following part-numbered fuel

filters installed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eurocopter France

Vendor part No. part No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

-4020P25.......................................... (704A44620031)

-4020P25-1........................................ (704A44620034)

-4020P25-2........................................ (704A44620035)

-4020P25-3........................................ (704A44620036)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The DGAC, which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified

the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on Eurocopter France Model

AS 332C, C1, L, L1, and L2 helicopters. The DGAC advises that jammed

valves could result in power loss due to fuel starvation, which could

cause one or both engines to flameout. The DGAC issued AD 98-318-

071(A)R1 and AD 98-319-012(A)R1, both dated November 4, 1998,

applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, C1, L, L1, and L2

helicopters. (The Model AS 332C1 does not have a United States type

certificate.)

The FAA has reviewed Eurocopter France Service Telex 00067, dated

July 24, 1998 (Service Bulletin No. 01.00.56), which describes

procedures for verifying that the valve is correctly closed in each

engine fuel filter, conducting a filter clogging warning test on

helicopters with certain part-numbered fuel filters installed and, if

necessary, replacing a jammed valve with an airworthy valve.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop on other Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and

L2 helicopters of the same type design, this AD supersedes Priority

Letter AD 98-18-09 to require conducting a filter clogging warning

test, and, if necessary, replacing a jammed valve with an airworthy

valve. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with

the service bulletin described previously.

None of the Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters affected by

this action are on the U.S. Register. All helicopters included in the

applicability of this rule are operated by non-U.S. operators under

foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD

action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to

ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of

these subject helicopters are imported and placed on the U.S. Register

in the future.

Should an affected helicopter be imported and placed on the U.S.

Register in the future, it would require approximately 3 work hours to

accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60

per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would

be $180 per helicopter, assuming no valve would need to be replaced.

Since this AD action does not affect any helicopter that is

currently on the U.S. Register, it has no adverse economic impact and

imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and

public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made

effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal

Register.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves

requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by

notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on

this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by

submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.

Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted

in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All

communications received on or before the closing date for comments will

be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments

received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and

suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the

AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be

needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might

suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be

available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the

Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that

summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this

AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,

stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments

to Docket No. 99-SW-17-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

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

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implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency

regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe

condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory

action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further

that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory

Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is

determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be

significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final

regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.

A copy of it, if filed, 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

(AD), Amendment 39-11195, to read as follows:

AD 99-13-02 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-11195. Docket No. 99-

SW-17-AD. Supersedes Priority Letter AD 98-18-09, Docket No. 98-SW-

38-AD.

Applicability: Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2

helicopters, with any of the following part-numbered fuel filters

installed, certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eurocopter France

Vendor part No. part No.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

-4020P25.......................................... (704A44620031)

-4020P25-1........................................ (704A44620034)

-4020P25-2........................................ (704A44620035)

-4020P25-3........................................ (704A44620036)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the

preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been

otherwise 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 request approval for an

alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of

this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of

the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition

addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been

eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to

address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent power loss due to fuel starvation, which could cause

one or both engines to flameout and a subsequent forced landing,

accomplish the following:

(a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) and after any

subsequent flight during which either or both fuel filter clogged

caution lights illuminate:

(1) Verify that the fuel filter by-pass valve (valve) is

correctly closed in each engine fuel filter in accordance with

paragraph CC.1), Eurocopter France Service Telex 00067 (Service

Bulletin No. 01.00.56), dated July 24, 1998 (SB).

(2) If a valve is jammed (open or closed), clean the valve in

accordance with paragraph CC.2)B) of the SB or replace the valve

with an airworthy valve. Repeat the requirements of paragraph (a)(1)

of this AD.

(3) Conduct a ``filter'' clogging warning test (test) in

accordance with paragraphs CC.2), CC.2)A) and CC.2)B) of the SB.

(4) If a jammed valve (open or closed) is detected during the

test, clean the valve in accordance with paragraph CC.2)B) of the SB

or replace the valve with an airworthy valve. Repeat the

requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of this AD.

(5) When the test result is satisfactory, repeat the

requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.

(b) Within 25 hours TIS, insert a copy of this AD into the

Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) or make the following pen and ink

addition to the RFM Emergency Procedure for fuel filter clogged

caution light illumination: ``If both fuel filter clogged caution

lights illuminate, land as soon as practicable.''

(c) If both filter clogged caution lights illuminate, after

landing, either:

(1) Accomplish the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD

before further flight, or,

(2) Replace both filter cartridges with airworthy filter

cartridges and fly to a location where the requirements of paragraph

(a) of this AD must be accomplished before further flight.

(d) 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.

Operators shall submit their requests through a FAA Principal

Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to

the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

(e) Special flight permits will not be issued.

(f) The inspection shall be done in accordance with Eurocopter

France Service Telex 00067, dated July 24, 1998, (Service Bulletin

No. 01.00.56). This 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, Technical Support, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie,

Texas 75053-4005, telephone 800-232-0323, 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.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on July 2, 1999.

Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction

Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 98-318-071(A)R1 and AD 98-

319-012(A)R1, both dated November 4, 1998.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 8, 1999.

Eric Bries,

Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 99-15362 Filed 6-16-99; 8:45 am]

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