A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD for the specified model helicopters was published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2007 (72 FR 28458). That action proposed to require, within 110 hours TIS, modifying and testing the wiring of the battery overheat sensing circuit.
The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on ECF Model EC130 B4 helicopters. The DGAC advises that a malfunction of the battery overheat sensing function, due to incorrect wiring of the battery overheat sensing circuit, was found during a scheduled maintenance. The DGAC also advises that failure of the battery overheat sensing function to operate could give rise to a fire in the event of thermal runaway of the battery.
ber 20, 2005 (AT). The AT specifies modifying and testing the battery overheat sensing circuit (MOD 073572) for batteries located in the right-hand side baggage compartment (not modified per OP-3685 or 073739) and for batteries in the tailboom (modified per OP-3685 or 073739). The DGAC classified this AT as mandatory and issued AD No. F-2006-010, dated January 4, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France.
This helicopter model is manufactured in France and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the applicable bilateral agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
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 tothe public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed but with one editorial change. In the summary and the discussion paragraphs of the NPRM, we stated that the modification and retesting would be required within 100 hours TIS. In the compliance paragraph of the NPRM, we stated 110 hours TIS, which is correct. The 100-hour TIS compliance time is incorrect. We have corrected the compliance time in this final rule and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the rule as proposed with the changes
described previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 68 helicopters of U.S. registry. Modifying and testing the overheat sensing circuit wiring will take about 1 work hour per helicopter at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $5440.
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 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 products identified in this rulemaking action.
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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: