Discussion
We issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters on June 9, 2010. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2010 (75 FR 34062). That NPRM proposed to require replacing all servo-controls that are identified in the Applicability section of the proposed AD. The NPRM was prompted by an internal review conducted by the manufacturer which revealed that some main and tail rotor servo-controls do not conform to the approved design. The actions specified by the NPRM are intended to prevent the distributor slide valve jamming in its sleeve, leading to reduced controllability of the rotors and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, hasissued EASA Emergency AD No. 2007-0141-E, dated May 21, 2007, to correct an unsafe condition for certain Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters. EASA advises that "an internal review revealed that some main and tail rotor servo-controls do not conform to the approved design. This results in a greater play in the input lever bearing which could lead to off-centered lever/distributor slide valve. If not corrected, this condition could jam the distributor slide valve in its sleeve, contributing to reduced controllability of the rotors."
Related Service Information
Eurocopter has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 01.00.58, applicable to Model AS 350 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D helicopters, and EASB No. 01.00.53, applicable to Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, both Revision 1 and both dated April 19, 2007, "to preclude the risk of jamming of the distributor slide valve in its sleeve,due to excessive play in the bearing of the servo-control input lever." Both EASB 01.00.58 and 01.00.53, along with 01.00.22 and 01.00.23 for various military model helicopters are contained in the same EASB document. The EASA classified these EASBs as mandatory and issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2007-0141-E, dated May 21, 2007, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.
FAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with France, EASA, their technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. This AD requires replacing all servo-controls with serial numbers that are in the Applicability section of this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
This AD does not require returning servo-controls to the manufacturer for return to conformity. This AD does not require inspecting for the existence of "hard points" in the flight controls since this is accomplished during normal pre-flight run-up control checks.
Comments
By publishing the NPRM, we gave the public an opportunity to participate in developing this AD. However, we received no comment on the NPRM or on our determination of the cost to the public. Therefore, based on our review and evaluation of the available data, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed, with one minor correction. Note 1 of the NPRM did not contain the revision level and dates of the EASB; this AD corrects that oversight. We have determined that this change neither increases the economic burden on any operator nor increases the scope of the AD.Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 56 helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1.5 work-hours per helicopter to replace a servo-control identified in the Applicability section of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $16,500 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate that the cost of this AD on U.S. operators is $931,140 for the entire fleet, or $16,628 per helicopter.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
1. Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a "significant rule" under the 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.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD. See the AD docket to examine the economic evaluation.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, "General requirements." Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulationsfor practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: