On November 14, 1997 the FAA issued AD 97-24-04, Amendment 39-10211 (62 FR 62239, November 21, 1997), to require a visual inspection of each main rotor blade reinforcement strip for debonding between the reinforcement strips of a blade; and a visual inspection of the blade skin for cracks or corrosion, and replacement of the blade with an airworthy blade if certain debonding or a crack or corrosion is found. That action was prompted by an accident in which a blade separated in flight due to fatigue cracks in the blade that initiated from skin debonding or corrosion. That condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of a blade in flight and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Since the issuance of that AD, Eurocopter has issued Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 05.91, Revision No. 1, dated September 28, 1998, which provides more detailed procedures for performing the inspections required in the AD by requiring a tapping test and increases the repetitive inspection intervals from 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 100 hours TIS or 6 calendar months, whichever occurs first.
These 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 Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile, (DGAC) which is the airworthiness authority for France, 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 an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Eurocopter Model SE 3130, SE 313B, SA 3180, SA 318B, and SA 318C helicopters of the same type design, this AD supersedes AD 97-24-04 to require, before further flight, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time-in-service or 6 calendar months, whichever occurs first, an inspection of each blade spar skin and blade root reinforcement area for bonding separations, cracks, or corrosion, and replacement with an airworthy blade if any bonding separation, crack, or corrosion is found. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously. 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 the inspection and replacement, if necessary, is required prior to further flight and this AD must be issued immediately.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior publiccomment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
The FAA estimates that 14 helicopters will be affected by this proposed AD, that it will take approximately 1.5 work hours to accomplish the inspections and 16 work hours to replace a blade, if necessary, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $40,000 per replacement blade. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $88,220, assuming 5 inspections per helicopter, per year, and 2 main rotor blade replacements for the entire fleet.
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. 98-SW-54-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 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.
39.13 [Amended]
2.Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-10211 (62 FR 62239, November 21, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), Amendment 39-11150, to read as follows: