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 SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2 and AS-365N3 helicopters. The DGAC advises of the need to visually inspect each window for correct mounting to prevent loss of a window in flight, impact with a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. \n\n\tEurocopter France has issued Telex Information No. 00097, dated November 9, 1999 (Telex). The Telex advises of the loss of a window panel in flight due to the window panel being sealed and positioned on the outside of the door. The Telex specifies visually inspecting the installation of each window panel and resuming flight if the window panels are inside the door. If the window panels are outside the door, the Telex specifies repositioning and resealing the window panels inside the door. The DGAC classified this Telex as mandatory and issued AD 1999-459-049(A), dated December 1, 1999, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France. \n\n\tThese helicopter models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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 these type designs that are certificated for operation in the United States. \n\n\tSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Eurocopter France Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2 and AS-365N3 helicopters of the same type designs registered in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent loss of a window panel, impact with a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This AD requires visually inspecting each window panel for correct installation on the door. If the window panel is installed properly, no further action is required by this AD. If any window panel is installed outside the door, this AD also requires, before further flight, removing, installing inside the door, and resealing the window panel. The short compliance time involved is required because the previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the structural integrity of the helicopter. Therefore, visually inspecting each window panel for correct installation on the door is required within 10 hours time-in-service and this AD must be issued immediately. \n\n\tSince 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. \n\n\tThe FAA estimates that 60 helicopters will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.25 work hour to accomplish the inspection and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures and assuming 10 windows are affected at $10 each for the seal and 1 hour to reinstall each window, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,600. \n\nComments Invited \nAlthough 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 onor 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. \n\n\tComments 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. \n\n\tCommenters 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: "Commentsto Docket No. 99-SW-86-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. \n\n\tThe 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. \n\n\tThe 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." \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \nAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \nAccordingly, 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: \n\nPART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 (Amended) \n2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: