AD 2010-14-12

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 130 (Thursday, July 8, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39143-39145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2010-16529]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0565; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-034-AD; 
Amendment 39-16357; AD 2010-14-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. 
(previously Utah State University); AST, Inc. (previously Firefly 
Aviation Helicopter Services, and Erickson Air-Crane); Rotorcraft 
Development Corporation (previously Garlick Helicopters, Inc.); Global 
Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC (previously 
Western International Aviation, Inc.); International Helicopters, Inc.; 
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC (previously Precision Helicopters, LLC); 
Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; San Joaquin Helicopters (previously Hawkins & 
Powers Aviation); S.M. &T. Aircraft (previously US Helicopter Inc., UNC 
Helicopters, Inc., Southern Aero Corporation, and Wilco Aviation); 
Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter, Inc.; Southwest Florida 
Aviation International, Inc. (previously Mr. Jamie R. Hill and 
Southwest Florida Aviation, Inc.); Tamarack Helicopters, Inc. 
(previously Ranger Helicopter Services, Inc.); US Helicopter, Inc. 
(previously Williams Helicopter Tech., Southern Aero Corp., Oregon 
Helicopters and Lenair Corp); West Coast Fabrications; and Overseas 
Aircraft Support Inc. (previously Williams Helicopter Corporation, 
Scott Paper Company and Offshores Construction) Model AH-1G, AH-1S, HH-
1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P 
Helicopters; and Southwest Florida Aviation Model UH-1B (SW204 and 
SW204HP) and UH-1H (SW205) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
the Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI) Low Skid Landing Gear Forward 
Crosstube (crosstube) installed on the specified helicopters. This 
action requires replacing certain AAI serial-numbered crosstubes 
installed on these model helicopters. This amendment is prompted by the 
discovery of a defect in the raw material used in manufacturing certain 
crosstubes. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
failure of a crosstube and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.

DATES: Effective July 23, 2010.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 7, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get the service information identified in this AD from 
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P. O. Box 3689, Bristol, Tennessee 
37625-3689, telephone (423) 538-5151 or 1-800-251-7094, fax (423) 538-
8469.

Examining the Docket: You may examine the docket that contains the AD, 
any comments, and other information on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>, or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
located in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building at the 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Martin R. 
Crane, ASW-170, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
Rotorcraft Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 
76137, telephone (817) 222-5170, fax (817) 222-5783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment adopts a new AD for the 
specified AAI crosstubes installed on

[[Page 39144]]

the specified model helicopters. This action requires replacing certain 
AAI serial-numbered crosstubes installed on these model helicopters. 
This amendment is prompted by AAI's discovery of a defect in a batch of 
raw material used in the manufacture of these crosstubes. Preliminary 
tests indicate that surface cracking to the inner wall of the tubing 
was introduced during the manufacturing process. There have been no 
failures reported in the field. The defect was discovered during the 
forming operation at AAI. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in failure of a crosstube and subsequent collapse of the landing 
gear.
    We have reviewed AAI Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-10012, dated 
March 5, 2010 (ASB), which advises of a possible defect in the material 
used to manufacture the crosstube, part number (P/N) 212-320-103, which 
is also included in AAI Low Skid Gear Assembly Kits, P/N 412-320-500 
and 412-320-502. The ASB specifies locating the serial number (S/N) of 
each crosstube, and replacing, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), 
each crosstube within the S/N range of AA-574 through AA-628, by 
following the procedures contained in the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness AA-01136.
    This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of these same type designs with an affected crosstube 
installed. Therefore, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of a 
crosstube and subsequent collapse of the landing gear. This AD 
requires, within 25 hours TIS, replacing any affected crosstube with an 
airworthy crosstube.
    The short compliance time involved is required because the 
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the helicopter. Therefore, replacing an 
affected crosstube with an airworthy crosstube is required within 25 
hours TIS, and this AD must be issued immediately.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
    We estimate that this AD will affect 18 helicopters, and replacing 
each affected crosstube will take about 5 work hours at an average 
labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts will cost about $4,925 
per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $96,300.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0565; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-SW-034-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our 
docket web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment. You 
may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

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, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2010-14-12 Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. (Previously Utah State 
University); AST, Inc. (Previously Firefly Aviation Helicopter 
Services, and Erickson Air-Crane); Rotorcraft Development 
Corporation (Previously Garlick Helicopters, Inc.); Global 
Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC (Previously 
Western International Aviation, Inc.); International Helicopters, 
Inc.; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC (Previously Precision Helicopters, 
LLC); Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; San Joaquin Helicopters (Previously 
Hawkins & Powers Aviation); S.M. &T. Aircraft (Previously Us 
Helicopter Inc., UNC Helicopters, Inc., Southern Aero Corporation, 
and Wilco Aviation); Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter, Inc.; 
Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. (Previously Mr. Jamie 
R. Hill and Southwest Florida Aviation, Inc.); Tamarack Helicopters, 
Inc. (Previously Ranger Helicopter Services, Inc.); Us Helicopter, 
Inc. (Previously Williams Helicopter Tech., Southern Aero Corp., 
Oregon Helicopters and Lenair Corp); West Coast Fabrications; and 
Overseas Aircraft Support Inc. (Previously Williams Helicopter 
Corporation, Scott Paper Company and

[[Page 39145]]

Offshores Construction): Amendment 39-16357. Docket No. FAA-2010-
0565; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-034-AD.

    Applicability: Model AH-1G, AH-1S, HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, 
UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P Helicopters; and 
Southwest Florida Aviation Model UH-1B (SW204 and SW204HP) and UH-1H 
(SW205) helicopters, certificated in any category, with Aeronautical 
Accessories, Inc. (AAI), Low Skid Landing Gear Forward Crosstube 
(crosstube), part number (P/N) 212-320-103, with a serial number (S/
N) prefix of ``AA'' and an S/N of 574 through 628.

    Note 1:  Crosstube, P/N 212-320-103, is also included as part of 
AAI Low Skid Gear Assembly Kits, P/N 412-320-500 and 412-320-502.


    Note 2:  Crosstube, P/N 212-320-103, is installed on Rotorcraft 
Development Corporation; S.M.T. Aircraft; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; 
and Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH-1B and 
UH-1H helicopters, based on Supplemental Type Certificate No. 
SR01924AT.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless done previously.
    To prevent failure of a crosstube and subsequent collapse of the 
landing gear, do the following:
    (a) Within 25 hours time-in-service, replace any affected 
crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.

    Note 3:  AAI Alert Service Bulletin ASB No. AA-10012, dated 
March 5, 2010, contains guidance that pertains to the subject of 
this AD and references AAI Instructions for Continued Airworthiness 
AA-01136, which contains the instructions for replacing the 
crosstubes.

    (b) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Contact the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office: Attn: DOT/FAA 
Southwest Region, Martin R. Crane, ASW-170, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-
5170, fax (817) 222-5783, for information about previously approved 
alternative methods of compliance.
    (c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 3250: 
Landing Gear System.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on July 23, 2010.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 25, 2010.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-16529 Filed 7-7-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P