A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD for the specified model helicopters was published in the Federal Register on July 16, 2003 (68 FR 41972). That action proposed to require, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 1 month, whichever occurs first, inspecting the fuel air vent hoses for chafing and fuel leakage in the interference areas and replacing leaking air vent hoses. It also proposed to require inspecting the length of the latch support attachment screws on both passenger doors, and if necessary, installing airworthy attachment screws. Finally, the AD proposed to require installing spacers to prevent interference with the latch support attachment screws and the removal of one tyrap clamp support.
The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on Eurocopter Model AS 365N, N1, N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters. The DGAC advises of a report ofa fuel leak that was discovered on the cabin floor of an aircraft, at the air vent hose, at the 9[deg] frame, on the pilot's side. The fuel leak was caused by interference between the air vent hose and the attachment screws of the latch support of the right-hand front passenger door.
Eurocopter has issued Alert Telex No. 28.00.31, dated January 14, 2003, that describes:
Checking the condition of the air vent hoses in the interference areas for damage to the external protection of the air vent hoses and fuel leaks, and if leaks are discovered, replacing the hoses and if the external protection is damaged, replacing the hose at 500 hours time-in-service (TIS);
Protecting the air vent hoses in the interference areas with adhesive tape;
Checking the attachment screws of the latch support on the right-hand and left-hand sides for correct length;
On the right-hand side of the aircraft, installing spacers to prevent any interference between the attachment screws of the latch support and the air vent hose; and
On the left-hand side of the aircraft, removing one of the tyrap clamp supports that secure the air vent hose to the 9o frame at the latch support.
The DGAC classified this alert telex as mandatory and issued AD 2003-028(A), dated February 5, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in France.
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 45 helicopters of U.S. registry and the actions will take approximately 3 work hours per helicopter to accomplish at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Two additional work hours will be required to replace a hose. Required parts will cost approximately:
$229 for the air vent hose, part number (P/N) 365A55-3044- 07 (3 each estimated);
$139 for the air vent hose, P/N 365A55-3044-09 (3 each estimated);
$1 for the spacer, P/N E0688-02 (2 each required per helicopter);
$1 for the screw, P/N 22256BC040012L (4 each per helicopter);
$1 for the screw, P/N 22256BC050012L (2 each per helicopter); and
.50 for the clamp, P/N E0043-1C0 (2 each per helicopter).
Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators would be $9,609, assuming that six air vent hoses (3 of each kind) will need to be replaced and 2 spacers, 6 screws, and 2 clamps will be replaced in the entire fleet.
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: