A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD for the specified ECF
model helicopters was published in the Federal Register on October 17, 2005 (70 FR 199). The action proposed to require inspecting an electrical cable bundle for wear. If wear is present, the AD proposed installing an airworthy cable bundle and modifying the routing of the electrical cable bundles.
A correction to that proposal was published in the Federal Register on January 20, 2006 (71 FR 3248). That action corrected the docket number throughout the proposal changing it from FAA-2005-22696 to FAA- 2005-22697.
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 EC 155 helicopters. The DGAC advises of the occurrence of a short circuit that occurred in the wiring of panel 12 Alpha making the landing gear inoperative.
ECF has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 24A011 (ASB), dated March 11, 2004, subsequently revised on May 14, 2004, which specifies checking the condition of the wiring and modifying its routing to preclude the risk of interference and associated damage. The May 14, 2004, revision to the ASB also specifies preventing any interference of the wiring with the head of the vent line attaching clamp by replacing wiring kit 365A0739C28.71 with wiring kit 365A0739C28.72. The DGAC classified these ASBs as mandatory and issued AD No. F-2004-057 R1 dated July 21, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France.
These helicopter models are manufactured in France and are 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 us informed of the situation described above. We have examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD actionis 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 except for correcting the docket number from FAA-2005-22696 to FAA-2005-22697. Also, we have expanded the contact address in paragraph (b) in the body of the AD to provide more information to the public. These changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of this AD.
We estimate that this AD will affect 7 helicopters of U.S. registry. It will take about 16 work hours to inspect and modify the wiring per helicopter at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts and material will cost about $240. Based on these figures,we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $8,960, assuming that all of the helicopters are modified.
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.
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: