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 2, 2006 (71 FR 25787). That action proposed to require, within 30 days, incorporating revised life limits and part numbers into the list of life-limited parts, or TCI list, which is contained in the helicopter delivery file, and within 150 hours time- in-service (TIS), replacing 4 fixed bolts, part number (P/N) LN 9038 K08018, with fixed bolts, P/N 105-101021.17. It also proposed to require replacing 4 main rotor nuts, P/N 105-142241.01, within 30 days if they have less than 150 hours TIS remaining, or re-identifying those main rotor nuts within 150 hours TIS if they have 150 or more hours TIS remaining.
Transport Canada, the airworthiness authority for Canada, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on Eurocopter Model BO 105 LS A-3 helicopters. Transport Canada advises that changes to the TCI list must be incorporated, and affected parts must be replaced and re- identified in accordance with the manufacturer's service information.
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB BO 105 LS 10- 11, dated May 11, 2005, which specifies changes to and introduction of life limits, and re-identification of certain life-limited parts. Transport Canada classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD No. CF-2005-17, dated June 6, 2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in Canada.
This helicopter model is manufactured in Canada 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, Transport Canada has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of Transport Canada, 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 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 this AD will affect 7 helicopters of U.S. registry, and the required actions will take approximately:
1 work hour per helicopter to remove and replace 4 fixed bolts;
16 work hours per helicopter to remove, replace, and re- identify four nuts; and
1 work hour per helicopter to create component history cards at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $3.80 for each fixed bolt, P/N 105-101021.17, and $882.67 for each nut, P/N 105-142241.01. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $33,011, assuming all nuts and bolts on the entire fleet are replaced.
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 DMS 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.
Adoptionof 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: