AD 96-07-03

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France Model AS 350B, BA, B1, B2, and D, and Model AS 355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, without an autopilot installed, was published in the Federal Register on November 1, 1995 (60 FR 55491). That action proposed to require a visual inspection to confirm that the rod end fittings are safetied, and removal and replacement of the rod, if necessary.

Eurocopter France has issued Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 01.38, dated June 26, 1994, for the Model AS 355 series helicopters, and Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 01.42, dated June 28, 1994, for the Model AS 350 series helicopters, which specifies a visual inspection to determine whether the rod end fittings have been safetied; reinstallation of the forward lower fairing if the rod end fittings have been safetied, and removal and replacement of the rod with an airworthy rod and reinstallation of the forward lower fairing if the rod end fittings have not been safetied. The Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile, which is the airworthiness authority for France, classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD 94-179-051(B) and AD 94-180-069(B), both dated August 3, 1994, in order to assure 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. However, a note has been inserted at the end of paragraph (c) to alert the reader that a Eurocopter Service Bulletin has been issued that pertains to the requirements of this AD. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the noted change.

The FAA estimates that 498 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately one-fourth of a work hour per helicopter to inspect the rod end fittings, and 1 work hour to remove and reinstall the rod, if necessary, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the manufacturer. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $37,350.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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, 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§39.13 - (Amended) 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: