AD 98-23-09

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Eurocopter France Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters, that requires an initial and repetitive inspections of each tail rotor shaft flapping hinge retainer (retainer) for cracks and replacement of a retainer if a crack is discovered. This amendment is prompted by a report of high vibrations due to a cracked retainer occurring on a helicopter while it was in service. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect cracks in the retainers that, if left undetected, could lead to high tail rotor vibrations, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Final rule

98-23-09 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-10875. Docket No. 97-SW-38-AD.
Applicability: Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters with tail rotor head assembly, part number 330 A 33 0000 all dash numbers, or 330 A 33 0001 all dash numbers, 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 (c) 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 changedconfiguration 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 detect cracks on a tail rotor shaft flapping hinge retainer (retainer) that could lead to high tail rotor vibrations, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Before further flight, and thereafter before the first flight of each day, perform a dye-penetrant inspection of each retainer for cracks.

(b) If a crack is found on any retainer, replace it with an airworthy retainer before further flight.

NOTE 2: Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 05.84, Revision No. 1, dated January 29, 1996, pertains to the subject of this AD.

(c) 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, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

(d) 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.

NOTE 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD 96-076-075(AB)R1, dated November 5, 1997.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on December 15, 1998.

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 SA 330F, G, and J helicopters was published in the Federal Register on April 21, 1998 (63 FR 19672). That action proposed to require an initial and repetitive inspections of each retainer for cracks and replacement of a retainer if a crack is discovered.

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 4 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.5 work hour per helicopter to accomplish each dye-penetrant inspection, 2.0 work hours to replace the retainers on each helicopter, if necessary, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $56,900. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $252,080, assuming that the retainers on the tail rotor blades are replaced on all 4 helicopters and each helicopter is dye-penetrant inspected 200 times per year.

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 Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-SW-38-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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: