The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on Eurocopter France Model EC 155B helicopters. The DGAC advises of an in-flight loss of a cabin sliding door.
Eurocopter France has issued Alert Service Telex No. 52A003, dated February 8, 2001 (AST). The AST specifies that, before takeoff with a cabin sliding door (door) open, the operator must visually check each door rail with the door in the open position to ensure that no roller is outside its rail. If a roller is outside its rail, the AST specifies correcting that condition in accordance with Aircraft Maintenance Manual Task 52-12-00-061 before resuming flight. The AST also forbids opening and closing a sliding door in flight. The DGAC classified this AST as mandatory and issued AD No. T2001-058-001(A) to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France.
This helicopter model is manufactured in France and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Since we have identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other Eurocopter France Model EC 155B helicopters of the same type design registered in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent in-flight loss of a door, impact with the main rotor or fenestron, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This AD requires the operator, before each flight with a sliding door open, to visually check the door rails of that door to ensure that each roller is inside its rail. If any roller is outside its rail, this AD requires that each roller be replaced inside its rail. Note 2 of the AD refers the reader to Maintenance Manual Task 52-12-00-061 that details a corrective procedure. This AD also revises the Limitations section of the RFM by prohibiting opening and closing either cabin sliding door in flight. The short compliance time involved is required because the previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the controllability and structural integrity of the helicopter. Therefore, visually checking the door and ensuring that each roller is inside its rail is required before each flight with a sliding door open, and this AD must be issued immediately.
An owner/operator (pilot) may perform the visual checks required by this AD and must enter compliance with the visual inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v)). This AD allows a pilot to perform this check because it involves only a visual check of a sliding cabin door to detect any roller outside its rail and can be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
The FAA estimates that 2 helicopters will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.1 work hour to accomplish the visual check, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6 for each flight with a sliding door open, assuming that no roller is outside of its rail.
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 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 mailed 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. 2001-SW-08-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
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, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: