A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD for Eurocopter Model AS350B3 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2003 (68 FR 2714). That action proposed to require, within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting the ASU No. 2 PCB on helicopters with serial numbers 3062 and earlier to determine if the resistor R8 is installed, and if it is not installed, replacing the PCB with an airworthy PCB with resistor R8 installed within 50 hours TIS.
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 AS350B3 helicopters. The DGAC advises that the absence of a resistor R8 on the ASU No. 2 boards can lead to a malfunction of the electric circuits supplying the "BATT. TEMP." red warning light, the "ENGINE CHIP" amber caution light, and the rotor RPM signal output to the VEMD.
Eurocopter has issued Service Bulletin No. 77.00.07, dated March 27, 2000, which specifies checking to determine if the resistor R8 is installed on the PCB within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) and, if a resistor R8 is not installed, replacing the PCB with one that has a resistor R8 installed within 50 hours TIS. The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD No. 2001-319-083(A), dated July 25, 2001, 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.
On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. The regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, andalternative methods of compliance. However, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we have retained the language of the NPRM regarding that material.
The FAA estimates that 30 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost $1,200. The manufacturer states in its service bulletin that PCB's will be replaced free of charge. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $37,800, if a PCB is replaced in the entire fleet and there is no free replacement by the manufacturer.
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 determinedthat 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 FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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: