Discussion \n\n\n\tThe EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD No. 2008-0049-E, dated March 3, 2008 (Corrected: March 7, 2008), to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model SA 330 F, G, and J helicopters, all serial numbers, with MGB input flexible coupling sliding and fixed flanges assemblies installed that have been modified per MOD 0752416 and MOD 0752419, but have not been subject to maintenance scheduled inspection per Working Card 65.32.601 since new or since a complete overhaul of the MGB. There has been one report of the failure of a modified flexible coupling assembly on one of the MGB inputs, which EASA has deemed to be the result of the loss of the tightening torque load, or insufficient tightening of the nuts on the bolts attaching the disks of the flexible coupling to its sliding and fixed flanges. This condition, if not corrected, could result in progressive fatigue failureof the coupling discs, caused by extensive fretting on the faces and in the holes of the flexible coupling discs. If this unsafe condition develops on both the LH and RH MGB inputs, it could result in a complete loss of power to the transmission and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. \n\nRelated Service Information \n\n\n\tEurocopter has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.95, dated March 3, 2008, which specifies readjusting or checking the tightening torque load of the nuts on the bolts attaching the flexible coupling to the sliding coupling flange and the bolts attaching the flexible coupling to the fixed coupling flange, in order to prevent any damage to the flexible couplings, which, over time, may lead to the loss of input drive to the MGB. The actions described in the MCAI are intended to correct the same unsafe conditions as those identified in the service information. \n\nFAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination \n\n\tThese helicopters have beenapproved 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 Agent, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe conditions exist and are likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. \n\nDifferences Between This AD and the MCAI AD \n\n\tThe MCAI AD uses the term "flight hours'' instead of "hours time- in-service'', as we have used in this AD. Also, the MCAI AD allows "use of later approved revisions'' of the service information to comply with the MCAI AD. Our AD requires compliance in accordance with the Eurocopter EASB. Additionally, this AD requires "inspections'' conducted by a qualified mechanic, instead of "checks'', which we allow a pilot to do. Finally, contacting Eurocopter Technical Support is not required by this AD asit is by the MCAI AD. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tWe estimate that this AD will affect about 14 helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about: \n\t8 work-hours per helicopter to remove the engine, re- adjust the tightening torque load, and re-install the engine for 10 helicopters in the fleet; \n\t10 work-hours per helicopter to remove the engine, measure the tightening torque load, and re-install the engine on 3 helicopters in the fleet; and \n\t12 work-hours to remove the engine, inspect and replace a damaged flexible coupling, and re-install the engine on 1 helicopter. \n\nThe average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Costs to replace a damaged flexible coupling, if necessary, include $1,018 for 6 nuts, $838 for 1 flexible coupling, $71 for 6 (6 each) bolts, and $624 for 12 washers. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators will be $12,311, assuming that 1 flexible coupling is damaged and needs to be replaced. \n\nFAA's Determination of the Effective Date \n\n\tAn unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. We find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because loss of the tightening torque load or insufficient tightening of the nuts on the bolts attaching the disks of the flexible coupling to its sliding and fixed flanges could result in a complete loss of power to the transmission, and there are helicopters that will be required to comply with this AD within a short time period because of the criticality of this unsafe condition. Therefore, we have determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\tThis AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. However, we invite you to send us any written data, views, or arguments concerning this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section of this AD. Include "Docket No. FAA-2009- 1124; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-35-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments. \n\tWe will post all comments we receive, without change, to http:// www.regulations.gov including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 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 thescope of the Agency's authority. \n\tWe 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 regulations for 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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\tWe 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. \n\tTherefore, I certify this AD: \n\t1. Is not a "significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; \n\t2. Is not a "significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and \n\t3. 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. \n\tWe prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\nAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: