Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C Helicopters, 22791-22793 [E8-8640]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 82 / Monday, April 28, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Directorate, FAA, or the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated
agent); or unless the inspections, intervals, or
CDCCLs are approved as an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(4) Where Saab 340 Fuel Airworthiness
Limitations Document 340 LKS 009033,
dated February 14, 2006, allows for
exceptional short-term extensions, an
exception is acceptable to the FAA if it is
approved by the appropriate principal
inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI
and/or service information as follows: No
differences.
hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with RULES
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2006–0221, dated July 20, 2006;
and Saab 340 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations
Document 340 LKS 009033, dated February
14, 2006; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Saab 340 Fuel
Airworthiness Limitations Document 340
LKS 009033, dated February 14, 2006, to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the
AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Saab Aircraft AB, SAAB
16:07 Apr 25, 2008
Jkt 214001
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15,
2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–8663 Filed 4–25–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Mike Borfitz,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch,
ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
227–2677; fax (425) 227–1149. Before using
any approved AMOC on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the
FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO),
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Aircraft Product Support, S–581.88,
¨
Linkoping, Sweden.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0431; Directorate
Identifier 2008–SW–08–AD; Amendment 39–
15483; AD 2008–09–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta
S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, and
A109C Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
specified Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) model
helicopters. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an
aviation authority to identify and
correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the
Technical Agent for Italy, with which
we have a bilateral agreement, states in
the MCAI:
It has been reported, on an A109A
helicopter, a case of failure of the grooved
clamp fixing the engine exhaust duct, with
the consequent loss of the duct.
The duct has hit the main and tail rotor
producing the loss of the tail rotor and the
emergency landing of the helicopter.
The fracture of the grooved clamp was
due to excessive loads and corrosion
around the attaching rivets. This AD
requires actions that are intended to
address this unsafe condition.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May
13, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
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22791
of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109–
123, dated November 16, 2006, as of
May 13, 2008.
We must receive comments on this
AD by June 27, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• 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.
• 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.
Examining the AD Docket: You may
examine the AD docket on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov or in
person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric
Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA,
Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and
Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas
76193–0111, telephone (817) 222–5204,
fax (817) 222–5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new
process for streamlining the issuance of
ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined
process will allow us to adopt MCAI
safety requirements in a more efficient
manner and will reduce safety risks to
the public. This process continues to
follow all FAA AD issuance processes to
meet legal, economic, Administrative
Procedure Act, and Federal Register
requirements. We also continue to meet
our technical decision-making
responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated
products.
This AD references the MCAI and
related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering
basis to correct the unsafe condition.
The AD contains text copied from the
MCAI and for this reason might not
follow our plain language principles.
E:\FR\FM\28APR1.SGM
28APR1
22792
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 82 / Monday, April 28, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the aviation authority of Italy, has
issued AD No. 2007–0041, dated
February 21, 2007 (referred to after this
as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for this Italian-certificated
product. The MCAI states:
It has been reported, on an A109A
helicopter, a case of failure of the grooved
clamp fixing the engine exhaust duct, with
the consequent loss of the duct.
The duct has hit the main and tail rotor
producing the loss of the tail rotor and the
emergency landing of the helicopter.
The fracture of the grooved clamp was
due to excessive loads and corrosion
around the attaching rivets. Even though
the failed part was on a Model A109A,
the Models A109A II and A109C use the
same parts. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI and
service information.
Relevant Service Information
Agusta has issued Bollettino Tecnico
No. 109–123, dated November 16, 2006.
The actions described in the MCAI are
intended to correct the same unsafe
condition as that identified in the
service information.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This AD
These products have been approved
by the aviation authority of Italy and are
approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with this State of Design
Authority, we have been notified of the
unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information. We are issuing
this AD because we evaluated all
pertinent information and determined
the unsafe condition exists and is likely
to exist or develop on other products of
these same type designs.
hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with RULES
Differences Between the AD and the
MCAI
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance.
However, this AD differs from the MCAI
as follows:
(1) We refer to flight hours as hours
time-in-service (TIS).
(2) We are requiring the initial
inspection to be done within the next 20
hours TIS rather than using the date and
operating hours specified in the MCAI.
(3) We are not requiring a recurring
inspection of the grooved clamps, but
we intend to propose to mandate the
300 hour time-in-service or yearly
recurring inspection of the grooved
clamps through our non-emergency
rulemaking procedures.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:07 Apr 25, 2008
Jkt 214001
These differences are highlighted in
the ‘‘Differences Between the FAA AD
and the MCAI’’ section of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
about 59 products of U.S. registry. We
also estimate that it will take about 4
work-hours per helicopter to inspect the
grooved clamps that attach the engine
exhaust ducts. The average labor rate is
$80 per work-hour. Required parts cost
is negligible. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of the AD on U.S.
operators to be $18,880.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because we are requiring an
inspection within 20 hours time-inservice (TIS), a short time frame. The
short inspection time is necessary
because of the failure of a grooved
clamp attaching the external left side
engine exhaust duct and the consequent
loss of the exhaust duct that occurred,
resulted in an emergency landing.
Therefore, we determined that notice
and opportunity for public comment
before issuing this AD are impracticable
and that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in fewer than
30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not precede it by notice and
opportunity for public comment. We
invite you to send any written relevant
data, views, or arguments about this AD.
Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2008–0431;
Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–08–AD’’
at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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.
Regulatory Findings
We 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 this AD:
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 and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
I
E:\FR\FM\28APR1.SGM
28APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 82 / Monday, April 28, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
2008–09–03 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
15483. Docket No. FAA–2008–0431;
Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–08–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective on May 13, 2008.
Applicability
(b) This AD applies to Model A109A,
A109A II, and A109C helicopters, with
grooved clamps, part number 4606AC, that
attach the engine exhaust ducts, installed,
certificated in any category.
Reason
(c) The mandatory continued airworthiness
information (MCAI) states:
It has been reported, on an A109A
helicopter, a case of failure of the grooved
clamp fixing the engine exhaust duct, with
the consequent loss of the duct.
The duct has hit the main and tail rotor
producing the loss of the tail rotor and the
emergency landing of the helicopter.
The fracture of the grooved clamp was due
to excessive loads and corrosion around the
attaching rivets.
Actions and Compliance
(d) Required as indicated, unless already
done, do the following:
(1) Within the next 20 hours time-inservice (TIS), remove, clean, and using a 10X
or higher magnifying glass, inspect the four
grooved clamps that attach the engine
exhaust ducts as shown in Figure 1 and by
following Steps 3 through 4.2. of the
Compliance Instructions of Agusta Bollettino
Tecnico No. 109–123, dated November 16,
2006.
(2) If you find a crack or corrosion, before
further flight, replace the unairworthy
grooved clamp with an airworthy grooved
clamp.
hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with RULES
Differences Between the FAA AD and the
MCAI
(e) This AD differs from the MCAI as
follows:
(1) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS.
(2) We are requiring the initial inspection
to be done within the next 20 hours TIS
instead of using the date and operating time
specified in the MCAI.
(3) We are not requiring a recurring
inspection of the grooved clamps, but we
intend to propose to mandate the 300 hour
time-in-service or yearly recurring inspection
of the grooved clamps through our nonemergency rulemaking procedures.
(f) Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 7800: Engine Exhaust.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Eric
Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations
and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas
76193–0111, telephone (817) 222–5204, fax
(817) 222–5961.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:07 Apr 25, 2008
Jkt 214001
(2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAAapproved corrective actions. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent) if the State of
Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement
with the United States. You are required to
assure the product is airworthy before it is
returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
(h) EASA Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) AD No.
2007–0041, dated February 21, 2007,
contains related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109–123,
dated November 16, 2006, under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(1) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa
di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni Agusta
520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39
(0331) 229605–222595.
(2) You may review copies of the service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/
cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 4,
2008.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–8640 Filed 4–25–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0249; Directorate
Identifier 2008–CE–012–AD; Amendment
39–15490; AD 2008–09–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; DORNIER
LUFTFAHRT GmbH Models 228–200,
228–201, 228–202, and 228–212
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
22793
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results
from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
During production testing of a batch of
control cables, cracks inside the cable
terminal were detected. Despite the specified
strength at the date of delivery was achieved,
it can not be excluded that the mechanical
properties of the cable will degrade.
We are issuing this AD to require
actions to correct the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June
2, 2008.
On June 2, 2008, the Director of the
Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in this AD.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at
Document Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl
Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816)
329–4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the specified products. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 5, 2008 (73 FR
11841). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
During production testing of a batch of
control cables, cracks inside the cable
terminal were detected. Despite the specified
strength at the date of delivery was achieved,
it can not be excluded that the mechanical
properties of the cable will degrade.
The MCAI requires replacing rudder
control cables, part number (P/N) B–
422420A00F delivered with European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Form
One tracking number RS52074/05 after
January 1, 2006 (also identified by
production batch number 1141044,
which is printed on the fork end next to
the P/N), with FAA-approved
serviceable rudder control cables. You
E:\FR\FM\28APR1.SGM
28APR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 82 (Monday, April 28, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22791-22793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8640]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0431; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-08-AD;
Amendment 39-15483; AD 2008-09-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II,
and A109C Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
specified Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) model helicopters. This AD results
from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated
by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on
an aviation product. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the
Technical Agent for Italy, with which we have a bilateral agreement,
states in the MCAI:
It has been reported, on an A109A helicopter, a case of failure
of the grooved clamp fixing the engine exhaust duct, with the
consequent loss of the duct.
The duct has hit the main and tail rotor producing the loss of
the tail rotor and the emergency landing of the helicopter.
The fracture of the grooved clamp was due to excessive loads and
corrosion around the attaching rivets. This AD requires actions that
are intended to address this unsafe condition.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 13, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-123, dated November 16,
2006, as of May 13, 2008.
We must receive comments on this AD by June 27, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
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.
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.
Examining the AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket
Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort
Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5204, fax (817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain language principles.
[[Page 22792]]
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the aviation authority of
Italy, has issued AD No. 2007-0041, dated February 21, 2007 (referred
to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for this
Italian-certificated product. The MCAI states:
It has been reported, on an A109A helicopter, a case of failure
of the grooved clamp fixing the engine exhaust duct, with the
consequent loss of the duct.
The duct has hit the main and tail rotor producing the loss of
the tail rotor and the emergency landing of the helicopter.
The fracture of the grooved clamp was due to excessive loads and
corrosion around the attaching rivets. Even though the failed part was
on a Model A109A, the Models A109A II and A109C use the same parts. You
may obtain further information by examining the MCAI and service
information.
Relevant Service Information
Agusta has issued Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-123, dated November
16, 2006. The actions described in the MCAI are intended to correct the
same unsafe condition as that identified in the service information.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of these same type designs.
Differences Between the AD and the MCAI
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. However, this AD differs from the
MCAI as follows:
(1) We refer to flight hours as hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) We are requiring the initial inspection to be done within the
next 20 hours TIS rather than using the date and operating hours
specified in the MCAI.
(3) We are not requiring a recurring inspection of the grooved
clamps, but we intend to propose to mandate the 300 hour time-in-
service or yearly recurring inspection of the grooved clamps through
our non-emergency rulemaking procedures.
These differences are highlighted in the ``Differences Between the
FAA AD and the MCAI'' section of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 59 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per
helicopter to inspect the grooved clamps that attach the engine exhaust
ducts. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts cost
is negligible. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD
on U.S. operators to be $18,880.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because we
are requiring an inspection within 20 hours time-in-service (TIS), a
short time frame. The short inspection time is necessary because of the
failure of a grooved clamp attaching the external left side engine
exhaust duct and the consequent loss of the exhaust duct that occurred,
resulted in an emergency landing. Therefore, we determined that notice
and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0431; Directorate
Identifier 2008-SW-08-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
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.
Regulatory Findings
We 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 this AD:
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 and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
[[Page 22793]]
2008-09-03 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-15483. Docket No. FAA-2008-
0431; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-08-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on May
13, 2008.
Applicability
(b) This AD applies to Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C
helicopters, with grooved clamps, part number 4606AC, that attach
the engine exhaust ducts, installed, certificated in any category.
Reason
(c) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
It has been reported, on an A109A helicopter, a case of failure
of the grooved clamp fixing the engine exhaust duct, with the
consequent loss of the duct.
The duct has hit the main and tail rotor producing the loss of
the tail rotor and the emergency landing of the helicopter.
The fracture of the grooved clamp was due to excessive loads and
corrosion around the attaching rivets.
Actions and Compliance
(d) Required as indicated, unless already done, do the
following:
(1) Within the next 20 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove,
clean, and using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect the four
grooved clamps that attach the engine exhaust ducts as shown in
Figure 1 and by following Steps 3 through 4.2. of the Compliance
Instructions of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-123, dated
November 16, 2006.
(2) If you find a crack or corrosion, before further flight,
replace the unairworthy grooved clamp with an airworthy grooved
clamp.
Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI
(e) This AD differs from the MCAI as follows:
(1) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS.
(2) We are requiring the initial inspection to be done within
the next 20 hours TIS instead of using the date and operating time
specified in the MCAI.
(3) We are not requiring a recurring inspection of the grooved
clamps, but we intend to propose to mandate the 300 hour time-in-
service or yearly recurring inspection of the grooved clamps through
our non-emergency rulemaking procedures.
(f) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 7800: Engine
Exhaust.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Eric
Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Guidance Group,
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5204, fax (817)
222-5961.
(2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAA-approved corrective actions.
Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved
by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent) if the
State of Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement with the
United States. You are required to assure the product is airworthy
before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) EASA Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
AD No. 2007-0041, dated February 21, 2007, contains related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-123,
dated November 16, 2006, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(1) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni
Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-222595.
(2) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 4, 2008.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-8640 Filed 4-25-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
