AD 99-06-04

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters that requires replacing certain circuit breakers. This amendment is prompted by the manufacturer discovering, upon testing a circuit breaker installed in a helicopter, the loss of electrical continuity between the terminals of the installed circuit breaker. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of electrical power caused by improper installation of certain circuit breakers, loss of electrical power to instrumentation, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Final rule

99-06-04 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-11068. Docket No. 98-SW-01-AD.
Applicability: Eurocopter France Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters, with Crouzet circuit breaker, part number (P/N) 84 400 028 through 84 400 037, installed, 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 (d) 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 prevent loss of electrical power, loss of instrumentation, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) On or before 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within the next 3 calendar months, whichever occurs first,

(1) For Model AS 332C, L, and L1, inspect the circuit breakers listed in paragraph 1.D.1) of the Planning Information in Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 01.00.49, dated June 30, 1997 (SB) according to the operational procedure in paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the SB;

(2) For Model AS 332L2, inspect the circuit breakers fitted to the DC power system, the 20 kVA and 30 kVA AC master box, the emergency flotation gear, and the second batteryaccording to the operational procedure in paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the SB.

(b) On or before 500 hours TIS or 6 calendar months, whichever occurs first, inspect all remaining circuit breakers in accordance with paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the SB.

(c) Except for circuit breaker type 84-402(x), after compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD, any replacement circuit breaker installed, or any circuit breaker removed and reinstalled, must be inspected prior to further flight according to the operational procedure of paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the SB. Replacement of all circuit breakers with circuit breaker type 84-402(x) is terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

(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, 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

(e) 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.

(f) The inspection shall be done in accordance with the operational procedures in paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France Service Bulletin No. 01.00.49, dated June 30, 1997. 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, 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.

NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 97-202-062(AB) and 97-201-007(AB), both dated August 27, 1997.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on April 14, 1999.

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 Model AS 332C, L, L1, and L2 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 1998 (63 FR 34135). That action proposed to require inspection of any Crouzet single-pole circuit breakers, part number (P/N) 84 400 028 through 84 400 037, and replacement of all circuit breakers that have any loss of electrical continuity.

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 3 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 3 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 $5,750 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $17,790.

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.

39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: