AD 98-13-40

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Eurocopter France Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters, that requires verifying the torque on the nut that secures the two transformer-rectifiers' common ground; and subsequently installing a modification to separate the grounds of the two transformer-rectifiers. This amendment is prompted by a report from the airworthiness authority of France about an unsafe condition resulting from the loss of the common ground of the two transformer-rectifiers. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of the common ground of the two transformer-rectifiers, which could result in a complete electrical failure (essential and secondary), loss of electrically-powered instrumentation, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Final rule

98-13-40 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-10631. Docket No. 97-SW-06-AD.
Applicability: Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters, 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 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 the common ground of the two transformer-rectifiers, which could result in a complete electrical failure (essential and secondary), loss of electrically-powered instrumentation, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), ensure that the nut, part number (P/N) 22541N080, that secures the common ground of the transformer-rectifiers is properly torqued in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France SA 330 Service Bulletin No. 01.53R1, dated March 13, 1997.

(b) Within 500 hours TIS, install Eurocopter France Modification No. 0725580 or 0725681, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France SA 330 Service Bulletin No. 01.53R1, dated March 13, 1997. Installation of ModificationNo. 0725580 or 0725681, as applicable, is considered a terminating action for the requirements 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 2: 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.

(e) The modification shall be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Eurocopter France SA 330 Service Bulletin No. 01.53R1, dated March 13, 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. 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 96-173-077(B)R1, dated April 23, 1996.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 31, 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 March 5, 1998 (63 FR 10783). That action proposed to require verifying the torque on the nut that secures the two transformer-rectifiers' common ground; and subsequently installing a modification to separate the grounds of the two transformer-rectifiers.

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 1 helicopter of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 0.5 work hour to verify or accomplish the retorque of the nut, 2 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the proposed modifications, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts for the modification would cost approximately $70 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $220.

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 newairworthiness directive to read as follows: